Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
MONTHLY
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Thompson-Nicola Film Commission
Imagine Outside a Box in Southern Interior BC Okanagan Film Commission
Columbia Shuswap Film Commission
HW ORIGINAL "TIGER KING SERIES" STALLONE & BALDWIN PART 1 OF 4
20 ANNUAL BEVERLY HILLS FILM FESTIVAL TH
BEDSIDE READING HW’S FAVORITE AUTHORS
® LETTER FROM THE EDITOR W
PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson
elcome readers to another wonderful issue of Hollywood Monthly. We are so honored to be featuring the combined brilliance of three Film Commissions of Canada on our Cover and within these pages. "Imagine Outside A Studio Box" is their message to Hollywood in their beautiful 6-page editorial layout featuring scenic, atmospheric images of Canada. We at Hollywood Monthly Magazine welcome Okanagan Film Commission, Kelowna; Thompson-Nicola Film Commission, Kamloops and Columbia Shuswap Film Commission, Salmon Arm to America. We are so grateful and humbled that these amazing Canadian Film Commissions chose Hollywood Monthly to make their introduction to Hollywood.
SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer
I'd like to share a very simple story. A true story. Please believe me when I tell you that you will only hear the truth of this story in Hollywood Weekly and Hollywood Monthly Magazine, because it is our story.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anthony Ewart Alex A. Kecskes Jordan O’Quinn-Campbell
In reflection, this is more of a cautionary tale than a story. A cautionary tale to corporate bullies who believe they can take intellectual property from other companies, in general, and prey on companies smaller than they are as standard operating procedure. Here is my cautionary tale. In March of 2013 Hollywood Weekly Magazine published an article on a man named Joe Schrelbvogel. A small child had given him the last name of "Exotic" and that was the extent of Joe's "professional branding" and "public image" at the time. Our article on Mr. Schrelbvogel was entitled: JOE EXOTIC THE TIGER KING." This was the first of Hollywood Weekly's "Tiger King Series" that ended its run in 2018 with three HW Cover feature stories. My HW Cover story on Joe Exotic for our "Tiger King Series" was published in April of 2013. HW Publisher and Owner Prather Jackson's HW Cover Story on Joe Exotic was published in 2016 when Joe was running for President (funny in today's political climate). The third and final HW Cover story on Joe Exotic for our "Tiger King Series" was in 2018 when Joe was running for Governor of Oklahoma. The entire HW Tiger King Series will eventually be released again for the public in the near future. We present to you in this Hollywood Monthly issue the original March 2013 HW article on Joe Exotic, and the beginning of our HW Tiger King Series. Truth can never be hidden by money. Like a plant that breaks through a sidewalk, it will push through. Truth is Edgar Allen Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart." Truth will always beat and it will always be heard. As always we thank you, our readers. We are who we are because of you...
Anthony Ewart
Associate Editor
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Ewart DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES & ASST TO THE PUBLISHER Jordan O'Quinn-Campbell MARKETING & SALES Launy Rhem
ART DIRECTOR Damian Aragon PRODUCTION DESIGNER Denise Chavez VIDEO EDITOR/ PRODUCER Israel Aleman CHINA OPERATIONS Victor Migalchan victor@hollywoodweeklymagazine.com (213) 220-3052 (424) 371-9900 INDIA OPERATION Ike Sinha Country Director Art4Peace Awards Hollywood Weekly Magazine B1/1565 Vasantkunj New Delhi-110 070 Mobile +919599068592 ASIA OPERATION Bench Bello HWM Asia Operations hollywoodmagazineusa@gmail.com Mobile +639273895559 DISTRIBUTORS CoMag MADER NEWS @ HOLLYWOODWEEKLY @ HOLLYWOODWEEKLY
Call: (424)371-9900
Email: HollywoodWeekly@gmail.com
MONTHLY
OUTSIDE A STUDIO BOX 4 IMAGINE Safety, Global Looks, Experience, Infrastructure, The Future & BALDWIN 8 STALLONE 20th Annual Beverly Hil s Film Festival MAIRA DE LA TORRE 10 READING 12 BEDSIDE HW's Favorite Authours LAYRA HARMONY 16 20 JOEThe TigerEXOTIC King 22 HITHA 24 LERA LEVINSKI Lera Fashion 28 HOLLYWOOD SUMMER Must-Haves 30 SOUL VISION MAGAZINE Chef Dontrell Ham
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Dependable Packaging & Safety
Thompson-Nicola Film Commission
A Symphony of Fashion Makes Its Debut
Acceptance and Insecurities
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY MAGAZINE IS A PUBLICATION WHOLLY OWNED BY PRATHER JACKSON, HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE LLC. © 2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OF ANY CONTENT WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MAY BE SENT TO: PRATHER@HOLLYWOODWEEKLYMAGAZINE.COM. 8345 RESEDA BLVD #117, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91324. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CALL: (424) 371-9900
Okanagan Film Commission
Columbia Shuswap Film Commission Columbia Shuswap Regional District
AN INVITATION TO WRITERS AND PRODUCERS
IMAGINE OUTSIDE A STUDIO BOX Safety, Global Looks, Experience, Infrastructure, The Future
I
n response to Covid 19 safety protocols our three Film Commissions in the southern interior of British Columbia are working collectively to encourage producers and writers to look at alternatives to producing scripts to be written for stages. Our regions, the Okanagan, Thompson-Nicola and Columbia Shuswap, are where you can film safely in our wide open spaces.
We offer unique and distinctive locations, innovative funding incentives, experienced crews, great infrastructure and amenities, and years of experience. You will be filming in Canada’s renowned playgrounds and top international tourist destinations, safe and worry free, and being taken care of by people who have done this before and know what you need.
We are thinking proactively for when the film industry reopens. We invite you to create and design your future projects for our British Columbia regions, for outside in open spaces and fresh air locations. To film the world, consider exploring our extensive variety of global looks. You can shoot international stories close to home.
We know that “the virus” is smart and here to stay for some time, so we are thinking to a future. We invite you to imagine your future here with us by creating and designing your projects for our vast open spaces.
Far from ordinary and closer than you think, our BC regions have thousands of square miles of cinematic landscapes. From arid to inland rainforest and everything in between, they offer mountains, grass and ranch lands, farms and vineyards, lush valleys, lakes, rivers, charming towns, and world class wine regions and tourism facilities. And, the micro climates of each region have four distinct seasons. These vast and extraordinary locations are easily accessible directly by air with an international airport in Kelowna, a regional airport in Kamloops, and via the Trans-Canada Highway system. All three regions are in the same time zone as California and even our remote areas have well serviced communications. Plus all our regions are known fortheir vibrant world-class tourism and hospitality sectors.
4 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Okanagan Film Commission, Kelowna www.okanaganfilm.com JSummerland@okanaganfilm.com 250-707-0087 / Jon Summerland Thompson-Nicola Film Commission, Kamloops www.FilmThompsonNicola.com / VWeller@tnrd.ca 250-377-8673 / Victoria Weller Columbia Shuswap Film Commission, Salmon Arm www.FilmColumbiaShuswap.com / sgoodey@csrd.bc.ca 250-833-5947 / Stephanie Goodey Additional Regional Tax Incentives for all three regions: www.creativebc.com/programs/tax-credits/
Thompson-Nicola Film Commission
FilmThompsonNicola.com • VWeller@tnrd.ca • 250-377-8673 • Victoria Weller
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 5
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Columbia Shuswap Film Commission
FilmColumbiaShuswap.com • sgoodey@csrd.bc.ca • 250-833-5947 • Stephanie Goodey
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 7
Stallone & Baldwin Take Honors at the 20th Annual Beverly Hills Film Festival
The 20th Annual Beverly Hills Film Festival (BHFF) announced the winners from this year’s Official Selections. They include a wonderful mix of Hollywood’s royalty combined with individuals making their dramatic mark on the industry. The festivities surrounding this prestigious weeklong event, originally scheduled for April, had to be cancelled due to the worldwide pandemic. Yet, BHFF Founder & CEO, Nino Simone, offered some consolation to those who put in so much work saying “While it has saddened us all, canceling was the only option in light of the health and safety of our filmmakers and thousands of attendees coming first. However, we must celebrate and focus on the wonderful achievement and creativity of this year’s amazing group of winners.” The winners were selected and announced by the BHFF Jury, who was headed by its President and award-winning producer, Frederico Lapenda. He was quoted as saying “Since a young age I have been fully aware that the ultimate question a man must answer by the end of his life, did I accept what my Father passed down to me and improve upon it.” With this humbly in mind, especially because this is the 20th anniversary of the BHFF, I sincerely hope this distinguished festival is of the highest caliber yet. Our decisions were extremely challenging and I am very proud of all of our finalists and winners!” 8 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
LIST OF AWARDS: Director Cam Cowan’s “Opeka” is the recipient of the festival’s highest honor, the 'Golden Palm'. This documentary chronicles the journey of Argentine soccer player turned priest, Pedro Opeka, who over more than 30 years builds a city on a landfill in Madagascar to bring its poverty-stricken residents both dignity and hope. Two time winning director Derek Wayne Johnson nabs Best Documentary for “Stallone, Frank That Is”. The film highlights the life, career and survival of Frank Stallone and features interviews with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Billy Zane, Geraldo Rivera, Nick Vallelonga and Joe Mantegna, among others. The director also wins Best Short Documentary with his film, “40 Years of Rocky" narrated by Sylvester Stallone. Best Actor honors go to William Baldwin for his role in the festival circuit hit, “Talk,” a thriller from Romuald Boulanger about a late night radio host. Best Director goes to Sarah Lancaster for “Josie & Jack,” while Best Actress recipient is Olivia DeJonge, also for “Josie & Jack.” DeJonge will next be starring as Priscilla Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s as yet untitled Elvis Presley Project.
ADDITIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: Best Feature Film “The Lost Bayou” from director Brian C. Miller Richard Best Producer Luca Severi for “That Click” Best Foreign Film “Punch It” from director Perrier Olivier Best Cinematography Sebastien Pins for “Traces” Best Editing Kate Amend for “Dave Grusin: Not Enough Time” Best Short Film “Office Song” from director Marcus Markou Best Animated Film “From Artists to Artists” from Viachelav Lisovskyi
2020 Screenplay Awards go to Mark Schmitz for “Shores of a New Blood” (Golden Palm Award); Frank Baruch for “Saint in the Shadow of Bluebeard” (1st Runner Up); and Armelle Lajus for “Malick” (2nd Runner Up). A complete list of winners can be found at beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com/2020-winners. Sadly, because of 'Covid-19", Audience Awards were not able to be given this year—a first in the festival’s 20 year history. The festival will also be announcing its 2021 Call for Entries later this month. Please visit beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com for further information.
Best Student Film “Dog Eat Dog” from Jianan Ma HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 9
MAIRA DE LA TORRE AND DEPENDABLE PACKAGING & SAFETY ALL IN FOR AMERICA BY ANTHONY EWART
Rarely is there a Nationwide (life or death) need that can be FIXED with one company. A daring statement but it is the truth. Covid 19 supplies have been available with Dependable Packaging & Safety for almost a decade -before their was Covid 19. What Dependable Packaging & Safety does is PROTECT COMPANIES and EMPLOYEES with all manner of safety supplies. Whether Medical, Janitorial and basic 'human safety" Dependable Packaging & Safety is a Nationwide distributor 'healing our country' one mask or safety supply at a time. Maira De La Torre, the owner of Dependable Packaging & Safety, was only nineteen years old when the idea for the company came to her. A bright Latina raised by a single mother, Maira grew up watching her mother struggle. She vowed that she would "retire" her mother from her job one day. She didn't know how, but she knew she would do it. Millennials out there looking for a way to start a successful business should really pay attention to these next few paragraphs. Essentially, Maira took hold of her 'Destiny' like a rope and 'lassoed' a future for herself and her mother.
10 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
While working her first job Founder and CEO Maira De La Torre noticed all of the workers they sent out on jobs were provided with 'safety gear.' She knew her company needed to purchase a lot of safety apparel so it seemed like a lucrative business. Maira did something that would change her life forever -she inquired about what it would take to sell "Safety Equipment" to companies herself. That small step landed her on the "Yellow Brick Road" to success -- but the road was not paved, she had to do some of that, and she did. Just like in the great Greek dramas when the Gods see you trying they always lend help, and when people saw the extraordinary effort Maira put into building her business they couldn't help but be won over by her enthusiasm and provided help and support where they could. Louis Depaz, Director of Business Development for Dependable Packaging & Safety provided that kind of support. Dependable Packaging & Safety now supplies customers across the nation such as Government facilities, Hospitals, Medical facilities, Industrial facilities and big box chain stores. They have clients throughout California and here in L.A. Counties like Orange County, San Bernardino County, Monterey, Ca., San Diego and San Francisco to name a few.
The reach of Dependable Packaging & Safety extends, of course, beyond to cities like Houston, Dallas, Springfield, Illinois, Seattle, Washington, New Orleans, Brooklyn, NY, Manhattan, NY and Mexico City! Saving America one mask and safety supply at a time. They are truly ALL IN FOR AMERICA. Dependable Packaging & Safety is here to make our lives better and healthier -- next stop: International wholesale distribution. And one final thought to make this entire article come full circle in the sweetest way possible. Maira De La Torre officially retired her mother from working. How's that for a Happy Ending...
Interested in getting a quote on our Medical, Janitorial or Safety Supply's contact our Business Development Team: Corporate Office: 626-343-7086 Louis Depaz, Director of Business Development: LouisDepaz@Dependablepkgs.com Maira De La Torre, Founder and CEO: Maira@Dependablepkgs.com Website: Dependablepkgs.com HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 11
Hollywood Weekly - Books to Devour The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin In the irresistible new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of All We Ever Wanted and Something Borrowed, a woman falls hard for an impossibly perfect man before he disappears without a trace. The Lies that Bind is an emotionally resonant exploration of the never-ending search for love and truth-in our relationships, careers, and deep within our own hearts. EmilyGiffin.com
Search Heartache by Carla Malden Maura Fielder looks like she has the perfect life: every expectation fulfilled. But under the illusory surface of perfection, Maura finds herself blindsided by what she discovers on her husband’s computer. She has no emotional cubby hole into which she can shove this ghost from her husband’s past, so instead, Maura upends her life—thrashing her marriage, alienating her daughter, and eroding her own moral center. On the verge of sacrificing everything she holds dear to her own obsession, how does Maura manage to regain her equilibrium and reclaim her life? CarlaMalden.com
“Eye of the Moon is a gothic mystery of the finest order, Eyes Wide Shut meets Agatha Christie.”
Wild Game: My Mother, Her Secret, and Me by Adrienne Brodeur
“It’s gripping, intense, thorough. Everything I wanted in a thriller and then some.”
“Exquisite and harrowing.” —New York Times Book Review “This electrifying, gorgeously written memoir will hold you captive until the last word.” —People NAMED A BEST BOOK BY People * Refinery29 * Entertainment Weekly * BuzzFeed * NPR’s On Point * Town & Country * Real Simple * New York Post * Palm Beach Post * Toronto Star * Orange County Register * Bustle * Bookish * BookPage * Kirkus* BBC Culture* Debutiful A daughter’s tale of living in the thrall of her magnetic, complicated mother, and the chilling consequences of her complicity. AdrienneBrodeur.com 12 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Eye of the Moon by Ivan Obolensky
“This was such a surprise. If you like big house mysteries, Downton Abbey and Cluedo ‘who done its’, you will love this.” “Eye of the Moon kept me engaged from start to finish. I read it in three days.” “This story held me spellbound throughout.” “I could not stop reading as I was entangled in the many twists and turns, a fun and unforgettable read.” IvanObolensky.com
Sex, Love & Cops by Wendy Wilkins Following the true story of a naive young female cop as she joins the police force, and discovers many firsts, her first arrest, murder, dead body, love, sexual awakening, cop culture and a #metoo moment. A fast paced, entertaining read with some wonderful characters, who just happen to be real. Vignettes in style of Candace Bushnell's "Sex and The City" novella SexLoveAndCops.com
All Our Summers by Holly Chamberlin
In at The Deep End by Kate Davies
Against the picturesque coastal Maine setting that she evokes so well, bestselling author Holly Chamberlin creates a heartfelt story of family bonds and new beginnings.
A deliciously disarming debut novel about a twenty-something Londoner who discovers that she may have been looking for love—and pleasure—in all the wrong places (i.e., from men).
HollyChamberlin.com
KateDaviesWriter.com
ROMeANTICALLY CHALLENGED by Marina Adair #1 nationally bestselling author Marina Adair’s ROMeANTICALLY CHALLENGED, is a humorous romantic comedy riff on Three Men and a Baby meets 27 Dresses, in which a newly single physician’s assistant who sets out on an exotic—and man-free— adventure gets stranded in a decidedly not exotic coastal Rhode Island town full of eccentric residents, nosy neighbors, and an infuriatingly sexy bunkmate who makes her question her anti-romance diet. MarinaAdair.com
BALLGOWNS TO YOGA PANTS: Entrepreneurial Secrets for Creating Your Dream Business and Brand by Dr. Shellie Hipsky Now is the time to create your dream business and brand. Whether you want to be leading rocking high heels or comfy yoga pants, you need this book! Author and CEO, Dr. Shellie Hipsky rose from tenured professor to award-winning “Best Business Woman” and “Entrepreneur of the Year”. Inside are Dr. Shellie’s Success Secrets, research on multimillionaire business boss strategies, and questions to guide you as you monetize your passion! ShellieHipsky.com
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes “Everything a romantic comedy should be: witty, relatable, and a little complicated.”—People #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today Now in paperback, this instant New York Times bestseller centers around the unlikely relationship between a young woman who’s lost her husband and a major league pitcher who’s lost his game. ThisIsLindaHolmes.com HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 13
OUTSOURCE YOUR BOOK: Your Guide to Getting Your Business Book Ghostwritten, Published and Launched by Alinka Rutkowska Do you want to get your book out without lifting a finger? Outsource Your Book shares the secrets of a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author on how to hire experts to write, publish, and launch your bestseller. Warning: reading this book and following the advice within can result in having your name on a bestselling book and on top of the charts!
Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas. From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas, a romantic, heartwarming new romance set in Honey Creek, Texas—a little town nestled in the rolling hills bordering the Brazos River, where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love are always close at hand. Filled with Jodi’s characteristic warmth, endearing characters, and authentic Texan flair, the town of Honey Creek is about to become your favorite place to visit.
Girls of Summer by Nancy Thayer One life-changing summer on Nantucket brings about exhilarating revelations for a single mother and her two grown children in this sensational novel from New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer. NancyThayer.com
JodiThomas.com
WHITE OUT (Badlands Thriller Book 1) by Danielle Girard From the bestselling author of the Annabelle Schwartzman series comes a chilling story of a woman with a forgotten past and a town with dark secrets. After surviving a car accident on an icy road in Hagen, North Dakota, Lily Baker regains consciousness with no idea where or who she is. Scattered Bible verses and the image of a man lying in a pool of blood haunt her memory. The same night of the accident, a young woman is murdered and tossed in a dumpster. Kylie Milliard, Hagen’s only detective, doesn’t immediately recognize the victim, but Kylie soon discovers that Lily and the dead woman share a dark past…if only Lily could remember what it was. Lily and Kylie both want answers. But Kylie has to play by the book. Lily has to play it safe. And the more Lily learns about her identity, the more she fears the truth. DanielleGirard.com 14 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
A Vanishing in Greenwich Village by Elisabeth Amaral In this multi-layered romance novel, real estate agent Ellie is fed up with her husband's infidelity and strikes up a passionate relationship with a handsome retired detective. At the same time she begins an ill-fated friendship with the mysterious Valeria and gets drawn into the web of her friend's troubled past. This novel reads like a real-life conversation between two friends and is a must read to the finish.
A Conversation with an Author NEVER SAY GOODBYE by Kim Sakwa An electrifying contemporary romance with a time travel twist. Stunning and talented, Amanda Marceau has lost her memory of the time she spent in 18th-century Britain. Royal Navy Admiral Alexander Montgomery has followed her into the present, intent on restoring it.
Q; You’ve now written two books, the bestseller The Prophecy and now Never Say Goodbye. How was your experience writing your second book versus your first?
Q: We hear you love linking music to what you are writing. What were the top three songs that formed the “soundtrack” to your novel Never Say Goodbye?
A: Writing Never Say Goodbye was a completely different experience. I had a new business (being an author and cultivating my brand), a team I was working with, a deadline looming, and a slew of obstacles that were hard to navigate and ultimately overcome. Through the process however, I found myself again and realized where home and heart is.
A: The books’ characters Amanda, Alexander, and Callie had been with me for years, which is why I have three soundtracks related to the book on my website not to mention the countless playlists I created while working through the final iteration. If pressed, however—like now—I’ll pick one for each of them. “Dream On” by Aerosmith (Alexander), “Secrets” by One Republic (Amanda), and “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus (Callie). Q: Who are your go-to authors? A: Julie Garwood, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Cherry Adair, Karen Marie Moning, Lori Foster, Lynn Kurland. Seriously, I could go on! Q; When you need a break from writing, what do you do? A: I’m smiling just thinking of it. I go for a walk and listen to music.
AuthorKimSakwa.com
Q: You got to visit New York’s Hamptons for the first time this February. What’s your favorite memory of your visit? A: Pinch me, I’m attending an author weekend in the Hamptons! I was instantly embraced within the folds of Bedside Reading founder Jane Ubell-Meyer, my fellow authors, and their families which was a life-changing experience of its own, so it’s hard to pinpoint a favorite. The entire weekend was incredible, from the kickoff at the Topping Rose House to our final event at The Maidstone. But if pressed, I’d have to say sitting within the spectator 1650 Baker House—enveloped in warmth and exceptional hospitality (thank you, Antonella!)—while author Hank Phillippi Ryan mesmerized the crowd (me included). Our late-night intimate dinners at local spots happened to be off the charts too. It was extraordinary and an experience I would repeat in a heartbeat. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 15
A SYMPHONY OF FASHION makes BY JENNY WERTH
ITS DEBUT
Layra Harmony is the predominant conductor of her own life symphony. With a quartet comprised of fashion stylist, photo shoot producer, creative director and brand consultant, Layra harmonizes to create stunning masterpieces including fashion editorial layouts, commercials, front covers and advertorials. And like a maestro of an orchestra, Layra ensures each instrument plays in melody with one another to create the final effect of a symphony. She finds inspiration in a myriad of places. She is as much part of a production team as she is a soloist who serenades with an endless variety of colors, fabrics and flair. It’s no surprise the enterprising Layra finds herself climbing toward the pinnacle of a creative empire. As a fashion stylist she uses the grace of a harp to create impressionable editorials that have graced that pages of magazines such as “Marie Claire” and “L ‘Officiel.” As a creative director she incorporates the dynamics of the flute and guitar to create impressionable platforms of memorable results. While in her role as a photo shoot producer she commands both the drums and piano to produce each detail of what happens behind-the-scenes into a seamless success story of photographic heroism. “It’s amazing what we achieve as a team. I wouldn’t be able to do any of these images without the whole team.” Layra says she knows that each of her team players makes up the whole of any production. With that in mind, she often returns to a capable and reliable team that is often comprised of photographers, makeup artists, assistants, dancers, musicians, hair stylists and models to create each piece of photographic art. Naturally, together they are all visual artists. Creatively, each of them comprises one piece of an artistic puzzle that makes the entire mosaic fit together as a whole. 16 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Indeed, she had a keen eye for fashion even as a youth. In fact, at ten-years-old, the future fashionista lived in picturesque Northern Caucasus designing clothing for her doll. “In the area where we lived, we didn’t have variety (of fabrics) and my sister and I had two dolls and we began sewing for the dolls.” Without realizing, it was the beginning of her career in fashion. “When I was ten or eleven, I saw a fashion magazine for the first time with paper patterns that allowed my sister and I to sew patterns for ourselves and so we began to sew… a suit for my sister and a dress for me.” It was the diversity of the ethnic
region in Northern Caucasus that Layra attributes to her multifaceted interests in aesthetics. “I think the fact that I grew up (in Northern Caucasus) had a big impact on my personality, because there is such a great variety in everything. This is the most diverse ethnic region in the world.” The desire simmered silently, but the passion faded until Layra found herself in the United Kingdom. Then, in 2010 she was invited to participate as a model in a photo shoot for a magazine from the United States that needed a professional dancer. Layra danced professionally, so
“
I always had my own vision and my own future. I wasn’t influenced by someone else’s ideas. I am my own influence. I am happy with my unique journey and all its ups and downs.
“
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 17
she waltzed directly into the spotlight. “I was so lucky to be part of a professional photo shoot. It was a concept story and was so interesting. I was impressed with the fashion stylist who created eclectic fabrics (to decorate) my head.” Not surprisingly, the next day her passion for fashion had been reawakened and she began to get clothes out of her closet to create some looks for what would become her first portfolio. The little girl had come full circle and the initial flames of the young fashion stylist had exploded into a fire. From then on, London found Layra knocking on doors and conducting test photo shoots that step by step improved her portfolio. However, she realized there was something missing. So in 2011, she applied for a BA (Hons) Creative Direction For Fashion at the University Of The Arts London. However, the staff noticed her sample portfolio far exceeded the experience their courses could offer. They asked her to be patient while the other students caught up to her level of proficiency. But, Layra took this as a sign to keep on her own path without the influence of other’s. She ultimately decided to continue knocking on doors and negotiating her talent which has served her brilliantly without the assistance of anyone else. The irony of this decision is that in 2016 she was invited to be a Senior Lecturer for Art Direction at the London College of Style. It goes without saying that Layra defied the odds and ended up teaching concepts that were never formally taught to her. “I always had my own vision and my own future. I wasn’t influenced by someone else’s ideas. I am my own influence. I am happy with my unique journey and all its ups and downs.” She is her own muse. Her newest inspiration is to become involved in the filming industry. “Earlier this month I was invited for a podcast interview about creative women in the entertainment industry. The director made a suggestion to use my services for styling and photo shoots for independent films they are involved with. I like the idea. I enjoy creating a cinematic feel to my fashion editorials.” For Layra, a “James Bond” movie would be a good start. And given her 007 direction, it shouldn’t be long before we find the self-taught inspiration behind the camera of a worldwide box office success. Harmony. Layra Harmony.
LayraHarmony.com 18 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
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HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 19
JOE EXOTIC
The Tiger King By: Effy Bergstein
tigers, and he has interesting reasoning behind it. "Animals of the world are proving to us that our view of how the world began is a little wrong," he says. Schrelbvogel's theory is that before the Ice Age, lions and tigers were one of the same. After the ice melted, the lions were stranded in Africa and the tigers were stranded in Asia, evolving into two separate species. "They're genetically the same animal otherwise they wouldn't breed. I've worked with several universities who've studied the science and DNA behind this. They're actually releasing a big article in January to prove they're the same species." Many of the animals at GW Exotic, like the Alligators from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, are rescues from similar organizations that can no longer take care of them. Some are re-homed from private owners who can't keep up with little Simba once he transforms into Mufasa, king of the jungle.
W
ith a bleach-blonde mullet, a black mustache, and more tattoos and piercings than Tommy lee, out-spoken activist Joe Schrelbvogel might be my new favorite rockstar.
Schhrelbvogel is the owner of GW Exotic Animal Park, an animal sanctuary home to over a thousand exotic animals including miniature horses, wolves, camels and ligers. That's right, ligers -- Joe is breeding a mix of lions and 20 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Referred to in the press as a "literal Noah's arc in the middle of Oklahoma," Joe's forty-five acre land oasis would make for an incredible place to shoot a film. And at the center of it all is Joe himself, who appears to be a sort of modern day Mogli, (on Disney reference too many?), walking around the place and making sure the animals are happy on a daily basis. But just who is the charismatic man behind the GW Exotic Animal Park. It all started at the tender age of nineteen, when Joe was crowned the youngest police chief in Texas history, and ready to dedicate his life to being a cop. But in 1985, his life was about to change: "My career ended one
night when a drunk driver hit me on a bridge. I moved to Florida to do my physical therapy and my neighbor was the manager of Lion Country Safari at the time. He brought home all the baby tigers and monkeys to bottle-feed and take care of," he said. Joe was hooked. Just a few months later, he and his brother became owners of an exotic pet store themselves. And so began the transformation from GI Joe to Joe Exotic, all he needed now was a name change. "My last name is horrible," he laughs. "I started doing magic shows years ago and none of the kids could pronounce it." I couldn't help but think Siegfried and Roy when I heard that, the famous duo who performed a big cat magic show in Vegas years ago. "I had a magic act with a spider monkey named Little Ricky, I trained him to hold a microphone and we had a voice recording for him so it looked like him talking and he would 'talk' to the kids. We were teaching these little kids not to make fun of other kids who look different." A pioneer for anti-bullying before Lady Gaga even knew what bullying was: I love a man who's ahead of the curve. "Anyway, one of the little kids couldn't pronounce my name and started calling me Joe Exotic." Today, Joe has a large tattoo of Little Ricky, commemorating his friend on his left arm. Shortly after, Joe Exotic and his family sold the
pet store and bought property in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, which became the GW Exotic Animal Park. The park opened its doors to the public on October 14th, 1999. People come from all over the country to tour the interactive zoo and meet the animals, but for some it's Joe Exotic's celebrity status that's the draw. After all, the country bumpkin's ability to handle even the biggest of cats kinda makes Cesar Milan and his Pitfalls look pale in comparison. A tiger whisperer who's sassier than Honey Boo Boo, I think I smell reality star in the making. And speaking of reality stars, is it just me, or does Joe bare a striking similarity to the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin? A fellow wildlife expert whose larger than life personality made him household name. Already profiled by PBS and National Geographic, to name a few, Joe's colorful persona seems to really resonate on camera in a similar way that Steve's did. As it turns out, the two were friends.
To commemorate his friend's death, Joe built a large indoor alligator complex inside the GW Park and named it The Steve Irwin Memorial. The complex currently holds eleven alligators and two crocodiles, Steve would have been proud. So, would Joe ever consider following in his old buddy's footsteps and doing a show himself? "I'm in the process of trying to do that now, I've been offered several contracts. My dream is to have a zoo makeover type show, where you go around the world and help under privileged zoos." "We successfully did this in Missouri last year and rebuilt their zoo because the government was going to take their animals away. After three days with us the government came for a checkup and they received perfect scores." Kind of sounds like another peroxide loving' blonde who goes around doin' salon make-
"Steve and I never met in person, but became good colleagues over the phone,
overs: Tabatha' Salon, anyone? "In today's world they're interested in taking away animals from people and sanctuaries like ours that are being overrun by animals. Some people just need a helping hand."
he says. "When I first started in this industry my first rescue was an eleven foot alligator with a severe eye infection and vets in the US didn't know what antibiotics were ok for alligators to take. I figured I'd give it a shot and call Steve's zoo in Australia. Instantly, Steve and his vets got on the phone and helped out vets. Soon after that I had another situation with a rescued Kangaroo who threw her pouch inside out. No vet in America knew what to do so I called Steve again and he was very helpful. His death was very heartbreaking me."
Most recently, a PBS documentary profiling Joe and his park featured footage from inside his home: a sanctuary for baby tigers to roam about freely, equipped with stuffed animals and chewing toys, (although they did seem to have an affinity for the furniture). At the center of it all was Joe, sitting on his living room couch, bottle-feeding one of the cubs.
calls, his "animal ambassadors." Like his spider monkey. And his ligers. Each animal has a story to tell. To appreciate their story can simply mean interacting with them, and if places like these didn't exist, kids and adults alike would not have any exposure to wild animals, hence a lack of appreciation for wildlife out there in the world and conserving it. I wondered just how close Joe lives to the zoo in order to do what he does. "My home is in the middle of the park," he says. "I have a cage built around my house, inside the cage, which is my front yard, there are five tigers, a full grown lion and six wiener dogs." Weiner dogs, did you say Weiner dogs, Joe? "Oh yeah. It's amazing how well animals get along with other animals in a rescue situation. It's like they all know they're there due to similar circumstances, and they're grateful." I told Joe about my own dog, the love of my life, a Yorkshire Terrier named Milo. And about how I put Animal Planet on for him whenever I leave the house. "I leave it on for my chimp, too, I even watch it with him sometimes," he told me. I told him it was good to hear I wasn't crazy, as my roommates are convinced I am, and we had a good laugh as he assured me I wasn't. I ended the call feeling inspired; he just has a certain way about him. Perhaps that's why the animals are fans. From one interview, he managed to turn me into a fan as well. Whatever big or small screen project he ends up embarking on, I have a feeling the rest of America isn't far behind.
One day these big cats may grow up to roam the jungle, but for now they seem rather content in roaming the zoo's rather enormous enclosures, posing for pictures and working hard as what Exotic HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 21
Acceptance and Insecurities Let’s be honest, the past couple of weeks have been terrible, especially here, in America. Hate has been spreading faster than the Corona Virus and so far, it seems like it will never end. Many of us are confused and shocked about what is going on in society, but I am not writing this article to talk about politics. I want to talk about acceptance and equality. The sad truth is, people in America and almost everywhere else are separated into a number of groups. We are divided by race, sexuality, income, and basically every other difference that people can find. Even though this might not be stated out loud, it still happens. Whenever we meet someone, we categorize them and they categorize us into specific groups subconsciously, which will determine how our relationship will be moving going forward. Some people choose to notice this process and act on it, and others ignore it and continue on with their lives. We need to remember that in the end, we are all just people. We all love, we all cry, and we all go through problems in life. Some may be harder than others, but they vary as we do. Without the significant or minimal differences presented in our species, there would be nothing to make each and every one of us special. What society claims to be flawed are the distinctions that make every single one of us unique. Even though everyone has their own preferences, it doesn’t mean we get to force them on to other people. Just because you don’t prefer something does not mean it’s not perfect in its own way. It is time to accept all differences because being different is being human and we all should be equal.
HITHA.ME 22 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Social: @OfficialHitha
Although accepting others for their differences is very important, it only makes up half of the entire process. Accepting yourself is the other half. Most of us are negatively impacted by the segregation that happens in our world. Even though we do not want to, we can’t help but feel insecure about the shame we get from certain of our features. Some natural characteristics are considered ugly and abnormal. When we accept everyone and their beautiful differences, it will allow ourselves to come to terms with any insecurity or problem we see when we look in the mirror. Many people aren’t only ashamed of how they look; some people don’t accept the way they talk, act, or even the way they dress. Sometimes, people take their dejection out on other people, creating a chain of harsh words, leading to a chain of insecurities. We all are or get nervous to show the world some part of ourselves, no matter how big or how small. We need to realize that everyone has insecurities and we need to spread the word that everyone is accepted and are perfect the way they are. The word perfect itself has no meaning set in stone. Everyone’s definition is different, so in a way, we are all perfectly perfect. Acceptance and equality come together. We need to apply both of them to our world and it’s human beings. Right now, the American people are presenting what they believe is wrong to the world. The time has come to set aside our differences and stand as one behind the goal of unity. Instead of separating people into groups and categorize based on their characteristics, let us invite everyone with open arms. No matter how big, how small we are, no matter how light or how dark we are, and no matter who we love or what we like, we are all human.
HitHa
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 23
T
LeraFashion
oday I’m speaking with Lera Levinski. I’ve wanted to connect with her for a long time. But, before we talk about her career, let’s take a look at the collaboration she’s here to represent. Q: Lera, you’ve already been to LA fashion week, in October of this year, as part of the Farinaz Fz team. Today you are representing these guys again, but in an expanded format, and this time you are appearing in our magazine. If I understand correctly, you’ve been on good terms with Farinaz Fz ever since last October. So, this begs the question: is your current collaboration with them based on personal friendship, or is it a full-blown commercial project you are working on together? Tell us about what’s happening, that is if it’s not a secret. A: There’s no secret. Of course it’s a commercial project, but one that would never have happened if were was no sympathy. Luckily, I can afford not to represent people whose work I do not understand or whose work I don’t like. I’ve had my eye on Adolfo Sanchez and Malina Fashion for quite a while now, and I really like what they do. So, when I found out they were going to work with Farinaz Fz, I volunteered to participate. At the same time, I can’t really imagine saying no to Farinaz if she had asked me to be part of it (laughs), because our relationship really does transcend business, and she is not only a great designer, but also a wonderful friend. For some time now, we have been doing things for each other that would not fall under any collaboration, or purely business projects. I value her friendship very much, and I am simply in love with her work. Q: When did you first notice her, and what about her stood out to you? A: It was at LA fashion week. But I can’t say that she stood out to me because of the beauty of her collection alone, or because of any one thing: what caught my attention was precisely the overall effect she created. You know without me telling you that no
24 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
one gets into a fashion week by accident whether it’s NY or LA, all the participants are incredibly talented, and they usually represent very interesting collections. But the kind of thing that was happening near her pavilion - I’ve never seen that anywhere. Literally every single person who approached it asked about all of her pieces. You know what I mean? Not just the collection as a whole, but each separate piece. Myself, included. Everything she had brought was just indescribably beautiful. If I hadn’t known that this was her first collection ever, I would never have believed it. Q: I understand completely. I wouldn’t have believed it either, if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. What do you think will be remembered about the collaboration of Adolfo Sanches and Malina Fashion? They are very different styles, after all. A: Yes, stylistically they are very different. But what fundamentally unifies them is that they are inspired by the parties and events of Hollywood. Yes, they are all intended for completely different events - it couldn’t be any other way - but they are all very festive, and each outfit from these collections was just made to be worn on the red carpet. This is a fashion that was created for Hollywood.
Q: Alright, we’ll have a chance to look at the collaboration. Let’s talk a little bit about you now. I noticed you’re learning Spanish with an app on your phone. What is that for? Just for fun? A: When I answer this question I’m usually kidding that when I was little girl, I loved the popular TV show “The Wild Angel”, so now I’m learning Spanish so I can watch it in the original language (laughs). But if seriously, though, I think communication is one of the most important aspects of our life. I live in LA, which has a huge number of Spanish-speaking people, and I think it’s essential to understand the people around me. Not just for my own comfort, but also out of respect for the culture I’m part of. In the US I have established a rule for myself: if you want something, you have to ask for it; if there’s something you don’t know, you have to ask about it, too. Ask and you will almost always receive an enthusiastic answer. Communication opens all doors, and makes the world we live in more interesting. US is wonderful in that anyone can make it despite any of the circumstantial things that might interfere with their success somewhere else - things like gender, race, body
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 25
type, or other physical characteristics; and this also extends to language. I love USA precisely for the fact that the main language in this country is the language of talent. It’s also very cool that there are people here like Valeria Manziuk - those who helps talented people from throughout the world make it in the fashion industry, get them into world level fashion weeks, and provide all kinds of consulting. However, for myself, I have long ago realized that the fewer language barriers you have as an individual, the easier it is to move through the world and toward your goals. I would love to learn two or three more languages, but that takes a lot of time and effort. If I’ll have enough of both these things, I will continue to learn languages. Q: So even in a business like modeling you can say with certainty that the main thing is communication? A: I am absolutely certain of it. I became even more convinced of this when I started working with Thomas Zeumer. He never could have given the world so many superstars of the fashion industry, if his approach hadn’t been personal sympathy and mutual understanding of the people he works with. Before I met him personally, I had imagined the secret of his success differently. Yes, he is definitely a person of extremely rare charisma and charm. Thomas never worries about things needlessly and is always able to remain easy-going himself, as well as in his communication with others. But his secret is in something else: he knows how to recognize talent on a deeper level, not only by what the person he’s working with shows of themselves, but also through communicating with them. He might see a person’s talent much more clearly and deeply than the person sees it themselves. Q: So, apart from knowing how to communicate, is anything else important? I’m sure that there have been some other things in your, in my opinion, successful career, that have helped you. A: Yes, I would say my acting skills, for which I trained in Moscow. Thomas was one of the people who noted that this is something that helps models. It’s one thing to just walk down a runway, but to truly be master over your own body and it’s micro-mimicry, as well as be “eloquently do not move” and expressively silent - that’s something acting classes can really help with. Everything else depends on desire and determination to succeed. Let me say it one more time: there are plenty of opportunities in the US for people who really wants to achieve something. 26 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Q: OK. I already understand why you do like US, but surely there are things you’ve noticed in the time you’ve been here, that you may still don’t understand. A: The food. Here, everyone, everywhere is always talking about food. Since I’ve been in USA, I have gotten the impression that people here meet not only to spend time together, but to eat together. And when you say you don’t want to meet at restaurant or bar people don’t know what to do besides that. When I meet my friends I prefer to walk by the ocean, to go hiking, to visit spa, to do water activities or shopping, to visit some exhibitions or to visit tea rooms. But here people almost always talk about where they going to eat. And if you get recommendations from a friend to visit an exotic country, then in the first place, of
course, it will be recommendations where to go to eat abroad, but not what sites to visit (laughs). But then I understood that there is nothing strange about this, it’s just that I think differently about how to spend time, and it’s important to hang out with people who share your interests. So, that’s what I try to do. Q: To finish off, what are your plans for the future?. A: Photo shoots for online shoes, magazines, participation in shows at fashion weeks. Q: wholeheartedly wish you success in your modeling career and in learning Spanish too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! See you at the New York fashion week!
LeraFashion HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 27
HOLLYWOOD SUMMER BEAUTY AND FASHION
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28 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
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FEATURES FROM
June 2019 | soulvisionmagazine.com
CHEF’S CORNER
Chef Dontrell Ham “This easy shrimp and grits recipe will satisfy the entire family’s tastebuds.”
Ingredients Creamy Grits • 6 oz. yellow stone ground grits • 6 oz. white stone ground grits • 1 qt+1 ¼ cup water • 10 oz. heavy cream • 2 1/2 oz. butter, unsalted • ½ oz. salt • 1 tsp. black pepper
Shrimp & Geechie Boy Grits Course: Lunch Cuisine: Southern Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 people
Smoked Tomato Gravy • 3 tbsp. butter • 2 oz. yellow onion • ½ tbsp. garlic • 1 1/2 tbsp. Old Bay • 1 tsp. cayenne • 1 sprig thyme (destem) • 3 tbsp. flour • 3 oz. white wine • 2 cup chicken stock • 1 tbsp. crystal hot sauce • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp. lemon juice • 2 each Bay leaf • 10 oz. canned diced tomato (cold smoke for 30 min) Completing the shrimp and grits plate • 28 Shrimp (16/20 peeled, deveined) 7 per bowl • 12 oz. poblanos, diced • 12 oz. tasso ham, cubed ¼ in. • 1 oz. garlic chopped • 16 oz. tomato gravy • 2 oz butter
30 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
June 2019 | soulvisionmagazine.com
Chef Dontrell Ham (contiuned) Preparation Creamy Grits 1. Heat water and cream over medium-high heat until simmering over. 2. Mix grits and seasoning together, then whisk into liquids. 3. Continue to whisk occasionally for 5 minutes. 4. Turn heat down to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking for 20 minutes. 5. Add butter and continue to cook and stir for 15 minutes 6. Cook to your desired doneness. Smoked Tomato Gravy 1. Cold smoke tomatoes for 30 minutes. 2. While tomatoes are smoking, melt butter and sweat onion and garlic until onion is translucent. 3. Add spices and cook for 5 minutes. 4. Add flour and cook for 5 minutes. 5. Deglaze with white wine and whisk in chicken stock, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. 6. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes whisking continually. 7. Blend everything with a stick blender or place into a blender and puree until smooth. 8. Add half the smoked tomatoes and incorporate thoroughly. 9. Return to the pot and add the remaining tomatoes, lemon juice, and bay leaves. 10. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Completing the shrimp and grits plate 1. Render tasso in a ½ oz of oil. 2. Add poblanos and sauté until lightly caramelized. 3. Add shrimp and cook stirring to cook evenly for 4 minutes. 4. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. 5. Cover with tomato gravy and simmer for 3 minutes. 6. Stir in butter to finish. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. 7. Divide the grits evenly in 4 bowls and top with sauce and shrimp between each bowl. 8. Garnish with fresh chopped Italian parsley to finish. Restaurant Information: Chef Dontrell Ham is a Chef at South City Kitchen. With two locations in Atlanta, Georgia (Midtown and Buckhead) and restaurants in Smyrna, Georgia (Vinings) and Alpharetta, Georgia (Avalon), you will have plenty of opportunities to check out their Southern cuisine in the Peach State.
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 31
HW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Hip Hop Artist B.V.M (BLACK.VMERICAN.MALE)
The Most Dangerous Poet In America:
So Listen To His Music! BY ANTHONY EWART Call me John the Baptist for spreading my message so passionately about our Hollywood Weekly Artist Spotlight, B.V.M (pronounced “BAM” BLACK.VMERICAN.MALE), but I truly believe that first comes the Poet, then the Revolution. BAM is the Poet. The Revolution is coming. Life is cyclical. If you live long enough you’ll experience that (and hopefully learn) through osmosis. Or you could just read history. Poets, writers and philosophical thinkers have always been persecuted. The ability to sway public opinion or perspective through poetry or prose is a powerful weapon in the eyes of governments. Things haven’t changed. It’s so bad now that the Estates of Dashiell Hammett (writer of “The Maltese Falcon”) and Lillian Hellman (author of “The Little Foxes” and “The Children’s Hour”) give out Grants every spring to persecuted writers around the world. And why are writers and poets still persecuted? For the same reason they’ve always been. To suppress information. To hide the truth. To stop the flow of freedom and happiness. Just ask George Orwell, Aldous Huxley or Philip K. Dick. If you write poetry, you’re a writer. But...if your originality and unique perspective and voice shines through your poetry to the point that you are capable of creating a cultural paradigm shift, you are a Poet. Thus the historical danger of Poets to governments. Where do you think the line “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword” came from? BAM is a Poet. His Rhymes are Mightier than the Sword.
HW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT CONTACT: 424-371-9900 32 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
B.V.M
L.A. RAPPER BORN IN WATTS / L.A. BORN. L.A. RAISED
instagram: BLACK.VMERICAN.MALE Email: BLACK.VMERICAN.MALE@GMAIL.COM ALL MUSIC APPS B.V.M
NEW EP:
12TH YEAR
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 33
Cameen Returns With a sizzling new single with ‘Pull Up’ ‘Pull Up’ is available on all music platforms July 23rd 2020 “Pull Up” is “FIRE” -Grammy Award Nominated Artist Fat Joe John Shirley, Contributing Editor for recording Magazine says, “Cameen is both a talented vocalist and composer. His music is an eclectic mix of R&B, pop, and hip-hop: there are even some jazz and gospel influences evident to the careful listener. Cameen is definitely an artist worth checking out. Joshua Valleau, Grammy nominated (Mixer and Engineer), “Cameen is a very talented and super professional artist. It was great working with him.”
Singer/songwriter, actor and clothing designer Cameen’s genre bending styles have won him accolades all over the northeast, including a Hollywood Producer’s Choice Award for Soul Artist of the year and a top 5 nominee for The New England Music Awards Hip-Hop-R&B artist of the year. He has been a host on the TV show The American Builders Show and a recipient of a St jude participation award for all he does with the organization. Cameen uses ‘Pull Up’ as an opportunity to pay tribute to all sports and events where the energy level is at a 10. This song should be heard in the replays of every dunk, touchdown, goal, homerun, decisive flurry of punches and global advertisements. It adds tension and flair to all of the scenes that unfold on millions of smartphones, tablets and laptops alike. Cameen’s latest hit is sure to be the soundtrack to countless parties, clubs, fitness-car events and Djs mixes. “Pull Up” celebrates the single-mindedness of every driven top executive to the modern athlete. It’s a song that will inspire and motivate! You won’t be disappointed. 34 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
emerald green-forest from (the men on purpose podcast) remarked, “ cameen’s steadfast professional work ethic engages others with a sort of contagion. and with fervor, he offers an uncompromising live performance both riveting and crisp in its delivery. his style is at once timely and progressive, with melodic complexity, memorable hooks, and radio-ready beats.” For more information visit: www.Cameen.com Also, follow Cameen on instagram, Twitter and Fb @cameen23 Media Contact: Company Name: Ckc Entertainment Group Llc Contact Person: Cameen Email: ckcentertainmentgroupllc@gmail.com Phone: 603-321-5999 Country: United States Website: www.Cameen.com
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