july 2012
“millionaire matchmaker� Patti Stanger
celebrates her birthday red-carpet style
attorney spotlight
matthew murillo MTV Movie Awards brings out the bling
hw exclusive
Al Shelton cowboy artist
to the stars jul
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- JULY 2012 -
FEATURES 07 Patricia heaton
hollywood walk of fame honors
08 THE SCENE IN LA 10 CELEBRITY BABY SCOOP 16 MATTHEW MURRILLO 23 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL “millionaire 28 Amatchmaker”party NIKI SHADROW
FAMOUS FATHERS in hollywood
SPOTLIGHT ON AN ATTORNEY THAT DELIVERS JUSTICE
celebs work the red capret in france
PATTI STANGER’S EXTRAVAGANT BIRTHDAY SOIREÉ
29 Flower chic Boutique
Exclusive profile OF A GOOGLE-WORTHY WEB STORE
haves
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12
AL SHELTON
COWBOY ARTIST TO THE STARS
30 MTV MOVIE AWARDS
EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE OF THE KILLER GIFTING LOUNGE
LIFE & STYLE
32 34 35 36 38
House of minerva
retro- inspired clothing and accesSories
tortilla Republic
A modern mexican cuisine THAT IS DELICIOSO!
greystone manor
los angeles’ new star-studded supper club
new Filmmakers la
profiles on the newest independent feature and short films by New filmmakers
BrightLife MUSIC changing the face of Hip-HOP
Hollywood Weekly is a monthly publication wholly owned by Jackson Publishing Company. © 2012 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any content without written permission of the Publisher is expressly prohibited. Letters to the editor may be sent to: Editor@JacksonPublishing.com Hollywood Weekly, 1438 North Gower Street, BOX 42, Hollywood, California 90028. For Advertising Inquiries call: (323) 315-9498.
JULY 2012, VOL. 16
PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson OPERATIONS Erskine D. Mcswain (1991-2000)
Hw pHotogRapHeR Jenny lopeZ and editoR Jenny weRtH at patti stangeR’s biRtHday paRty soiReE
A LETTER From
The Editor
MANAGING EDITOR Jenny Werth DIR. OF MARKETING Launy Rhem
Dearest Readers,
“Hollywood Weekly Magazine” is excited to showcase the unique talents and contributions to the world of entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, you’ll also notice that “Hollywood Weekly” has added some new exciting features. We hope our coverage on extraordinary artists, international fashions and hot-spot restaurants delight you. Plus, we even found an attorney who makes your dreams of justice come true. And we have some exciting coverage of our favorite celebs at the Cannes Film Festival, MTV Movie Awards and “Millionaire Matchmaker” star Patti Stanger’s fabulous birthday party soireé at Koi. We’re especially honored to share “cowboy artist to the stars” Al Shelton with you. This iconic artist has filled the homes of Hollwood’s most elite with handcrafted works for generations. Finally, summer is here, so get that bikini out, or not- a cool tunic will work just as well- and get ready to lather on those self-tanners (and killer shades!) Most of all, may you enjoy the gorgeous weather and remember that at “Hollywood Weekly” we’ve got ‘Everything-Hollywood’ covered! Best wishes,
Jenny Wert h
LIFE & STYLE EDITOR Niki Shadrow ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Ewart GUEST CONTRIBUTOR Karen Bystedt Dallas J. Logan CONTRIBUTORS Yota Batsaras Anthony Calderon Sid Fish Fran Scott Niki Shadrow Jenny Werth Steve Zall Dana Elizabeth Meagan Sargent
DESIGN /SOCIAL MEDIA Kristal Lindo Jenny Lopez PHOTOGRAPHY Karen Bystedt Jenny Lopez PRODUCTION MANAGER Hector Santacruz DISTRIBUTOR NEWSWAYS
COVER CREDIT: JENNY LOPEZ
KEEP UP WITH HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY AT: www.hollywoodweeklymagazine.com
Jenny Werth P.S. Please send your thoughts to me at: Jenny@hollywoodweeklymagazine.com For Daily Hollywood Coverage visit us at: www.hollywoodweeklymagazine.com 4 - Hollywood WEEKLY
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @hollywoodweeklymagazine
Hollywood honors
Photo copyright Afp/getty images
hollywood walk of fame
HONORS
PATRICIA HEATON Two-time Emmy-winning actress Patricia Heaton received the 2,472nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on recently. Both of her television husbands were on hand to help her celebrate the special honor. Actor Ray Romano from the series “Everybody Loves Raymond” and actor Neil Flynn from “The Middle” joined Heaton’s real-life husband, actor David Hunt, for the ceremony. “It was pretty overwhelming. I didn’t think I would be as moved as I was,” Heaton said. Romano joked during his speech that two actors from “Everybody Loves Raymond” received stars now, while he has not. “Before I go on, I just want to ask the committee, you guys have my number right? You know my phone number, I was on the show. I’m Raymond,” Romano said.
Romano called Heaton the best wife in television. “My character was all so neurotic and weird, and she was the grounding center, the voice of reason,” Romano said. “The show worked because of her. I never told her that then because I wanted the money.” “Raymond” co-stars Brad Garrett and Doris Roberts were also on hand, as well as one of her sons on “The Middle,” Atticus Shaffer. Heaton said she never imagined that she would have a star on the Walk of Fame. “God has been gracious enough to me to open some doors, and by God, I mean, of course, Ray Romano,” Heaton said. Heaton received seven Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Debra Barone on the 1996-2005 CBS comedy “Everybody Loves Raymond,” winning as best actress in a comedy in 2000 and again in 2001. JULY
2012 - 7
SCENE Mark Ballas & Katherine Jenkins Dancing with the Stars Afterparty Mixology101 at Planet Dailies, Original Farmers Market LA Jesse Grant/WireImage
in LA
BY:NIKI SHADROW Dimitri James, Makeup Artist and Founder of Skinn Cosmetics & model. NBC Makeover Shoot, Los Angeles, CA Casteland Productions Photography
Kelley Raleigh & Juliana Cheng Inner & Outer Beauty Wkshp featuring Bobbi Brown Cosmetics The Angel Station, Santa Monica Angela Parkes Photography
The Palm Springs Follies Follies Season 21: “Hot! Hot! Hot!” The Historic Plaza Theater Ned Redway photography
Brad Garrett and Ray Romano The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Presents “The 5th Annual Television Academy Honors” The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, Scott Kirkland/PictureGroup Photography
Randy Jackson Launch Party for Timepieces by Randy Jackson Four Seasons Beverly Hills Michael Buckner, Getty Images Entertainment
Anastasiya Kuzmina, Sheeba Alam, Cara McConnell, Kristofer Keith, Taja Quiseng, and Shari Sellers. Faux Pas Media Party hosted by Spacecraft Group Spacecraft , Los Angeles Felix Foto / LookBookLA.
Connor Cruise The Children Mending Hearts 4th Annual Spring Benefit Pacific Palisades, California. Charley/ Gallay/WireImage
The Lou Diamond Philips Family at the Oscars Gift Suite Paramount Studios Photographer Colleen Bellitti
Emmy Lou Williams and Gabriella Welsch BellyFULL Birthday Party Minnetonka MN Jessica Welsch Photography
Celebrity Dads
& Their Joys of faTherhood & Cherished family memories Alyson Hannigan, her husband Alexis Denisof and their adorable daughter Satyana are one of our favorite celebrity families. And now we have even more reason to celebrate: the “How I Met Your Mother” star is currently expecting the couple’s second child this summer. Alyson opens up about remaining mum on the baby’s gender, her “fantastic” and “hilarious” daughter Satyana who turns 3 next month, and her plans for a second home birth. “I think that the home is the best place for me to feel comfortable.”
Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley Chris O’Donnell
Chris O’Donnell: Chris first captivated audiences in the ‘90s high school drama School Ties, and when he starred in Scent of a Woman alongside Hollywood legend Al Pacino, he solidified his stance in Hollywood and a place in our hearts. Chris left the spotlight in the late ‘90s for love. He wed his college sweetheart, Caroline Fentress, and the happy couple started a family. Chris and Caroline are now parents to three sons and two daughters: Lily, 12, Chip, 11, Charles, 8, Finley, 6, and Maeve, 4. The father-of-five opened up about the importance of carving out time with each of his five kids. “I just had a great day with my oldest daughter. I think it’s important every once in a while to give them each some isolated time because we’re always doing stuff in groups. But I think it’s important, especially with the daddy-daughter relationship that they get some one-on-one time. The boys get a little bit spoiled just because they have the same passion for watching sports like I do, so we kind of find time together no matter what. But with my daughters I feel like I really need to make an effort to have some quality time. I got off work early yesterday and we had a really great time together.”
Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott
Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic has made a career out of his two passions: music and comedy. For years he’s been creating parodies of popular songs such as Michael Jackson’s Beat It (which he turned into the catchy tune Eat It) and Ridin’ Dirty by Chamillionaire and Krayzie Bone (which became the hilarious song White & Nerdy).The Grammy Award-winning singer is also a proud dad to 9-year-old daughter Nina with wife Suzanne Krajewski. Weird Al opened up about a touching memory with his daughter. “When my daughter was a toddler, just learning to talk, she was crazy about baby ducks. She loved them to death. Anything with a picture of a baby duck on it made her happy, and when she actually got to see real baby ducks she was positively delirious. During that time period, when she would hug me goodnight, she would often smile and say ‘baby ducks,’ which, if you understood her very limited vocabulary, meant that she was content and very happy. And then I would say ‘baby ducks’ back to her.” Jeff Gordon: NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon and wife Ingrid Vandebosch are proud parents to daughter Ella, 5, and son Leo, 1. The celebrated race car driver - who has been outspoken on
raising awareness about the Tdap booster vaccine since becoming a dad - shared the joys of fatherhood. “I adore my children and hope they find something in life they are passionate about that I can help encourage just as my parents did for me with racing at such an early age.” Billy Baldwin: Billy Baldwin stole our hearts in ‘90s hit movies such as Flatliners, Backdraft and Sliver. The 49-year-old hunk with the famous last name opened up about his 20+ relationship with wife, songstress Chynna Phillips, and their three kids Jamison, 12, Vance, 10, and Brooke, 8. “I would say that I was actively engaged [as a father]. I strive for a balance. I try and keep it light but my dad was a Marine and was definitely a disciplinarian, so I have him and his style of parenting in me too. I try and have boundaries and consequences for behavior, but the hard part is being consistent. My sister Jane says, ‘You can never have too much love or too much discipline.’ Rodney Atkins: Country star Rodney Atkins opened up about his kids - son Elijah and stepdaughters Lindsey and Morgan - and how fatherwww.celebritybabyscoop.com
10 - Hollywood WEEKLY
hood has influenced his career. Parenting has definitely affected my career. It changes the way you see the world. I find inspiration from being a father in everything I do. From the songs I record, to decisions made as far as when to tour and what things to do. It is really about trying to find balance in everything. Sometimes I do a better job than others.” Dean McDermott: Reality TV stars Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott welcomed their third child, daughter Hattie, seven months ago. And already the happy couple are welcoming baby No. 4 later this year! The stars of Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood are also parents to son Liam, 5, and daughterStella, 3, and proud papa Dean gushed about their older kids. “Liam’s all about the poop right now [laughs]! We have no idea where he comes up with it, but it’s too good not to share. And Stella’s going to be a supermodel. Some of the poses that she strikes are amazing!” Josh Kelley: Singer-songwriter Josh Kelley and wife, actress Katherine Heigl, are proud parents to two daughters: Naleigh, 3, and newborn daughter Adalaide. Before adopting his second daughter, the father-of-two opened up about his sweet girl Naleigh. “She is doing great. She’s the cutest girl in the world. She loves to sing and loves when dada reads her books.” Rick Schroder: Ricky stole our hearts in the ‘80s TV sitcom Silver Spoons as the rich kid we all loved. Now 42, Rick has outgrown the child star persona - and the “y” - and appeared in shows such as NYPD Blue, Lonesome Dove and 24. Rick is also a dedicated family man, having been married to his sweetheart Andrea for 20 years. Together, they have 4 gorgeous kids: Holden, 20, Luke, 19, Cambrie, 15, and Faith Anne, 10. The father-of-four opened up about instilling strong values with their kids -- even if the topics of sex and drugs can be “tough” topics to discuss. “Andrea and I bring totally different values to the table with our kids. Her No. 1 value is kindness, while I believe in working hard and giving 100%. The ‘tough’ stuff is talked about so much, it’s not tough anymore. Kids in America have such opportunity and it would be foolish if I didn’t protect my kids by being realistic and upfront about temptation, vices, and potential danger.”
Celebrity Moms Share Their Summer Plans Kimora Lee Simmons - “This summer, everyone is working, I’m launching Shinto Clinical all over the world, Djimon is on-set filming, the girls have summer activities, Kenzo has a little camp he’s going to – but i know we’ll have fun. I honestly wouldn’t mind spending more time around the pool. Maybe grill out…that sounds fab to me!” Laila Ali - “I want to do a lot of outdoor activities, like take my son to the beach and do a lot of swimming, and maybe get him on the back of a bike.” Nicole Sullivan - “We went camping with my older son’s preschool class this past weekend,” Nicole said. “Imagine 50 kids under 6. Oooof! We are also going to Connecticut to visit my cousins and their kids. We do it every year and it’s always so fun. We get to say things like, ‘Kids go outside and play.’ “ Kristi Yamaguchi - I’m looking forward to a vacation in Hawaii with the family and working on projects with my Always Dream Foundation, which supports children’s literacy.”
maTerniTy sTyle Trends Kourtney Kardashian -From casual chic to red carpet ready, Kourtney sure knows how to make pregnancy look good! Currently expecting her second child, the reality TV starlet is the queen of polished looks, whether it’s at the latest Hollywood event or at the local farmer’s market! For her everyday maternity style, Kourt keeps things casual chic in fitted duds showcasing her burgeoning belly, paired with the latest trends such as oversized handbags, fedoras, and blazers.
Kristin Cavallari - The Hills alum is one of those lucky women who is ‘all belly’ during pregnancy. And she has been dressing that bump beautifully while expecting her first child! From feminine flowing maxi dresses, to mini maternity looks, to skinny jeans and form-fitting tops, we cannot get enough of Kristin’s maternity style! Has she ever looked better?!
Sarah Michelle Gellar - Expectant mama Sarah Michelle Gellar continues to remain mum on her pregnancy news. But her blooming baby bump confirms her happy news. And we are loving her modern and undercover baby bump fashions! From keeping it casual in skinny jeans and tees, to leggy floral prints and layers, we can’t get enough of Buffy’s maternity fashion trends! Looking forward to see more of her
Elizabeth Berkley - Saved by the Bell alum Elizabeth Berkley has been keeping fit throughout her first pregnancy with regular trips to the Pilates studio. Occasionally accessorizing with a brightly-colored bag or scarf, Elizabeth has been consistently seen in all black ensembles. Opting for tights and fitted tops, Elizabeth has not strayed from her yoga pants throughout her first pregnancy.
Visit www.celebritybabyscoop.com for daily celebrity baby news!
JULY
2012 - 11
re d carpet style
D O - i t-y o u r s e l f
Star style 4
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3 5
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stay meltproof
6 makeup tips to stay picture perfect in the Summer heat “Women don’t sweat, they glisten,” the saying goes. Yeah, right. To keep your makeup from melting into your mojito this summer, get into these 11 easy tricks from the pros. TAKE TIME TO PRIME - The key to long-lasting foundation and color is the most commonly skipped step: primer. Seriously—the stuff works. All you need is a pea-size dot of a lightweight, oil-free formula; apply it to moisturized skin before your concealer and foundation 1. L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Color Correcting Primers. $16, www.ulta.com BE DENSE -Blemishes and blotchy skin don’t vanish in the hot weather, but the wrong concealer definitely can. What you want is a densely pigmented (but not liquidy) cream formula. Our pro’s pick 2. DuWop Circle Block $28 www.dermstore.com SWITCH TO SILICONE -Wear a full face of foundation and you’re asking for trouble. Still, we get it—sometimes you want the coverage. The solution? A lightweight silicone-based formula. The silicone acts as a film between your skin and the humidity, preventing foundation from seeping into your pores or dribbling down your chin. 3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $60 www.nordstroms.com CHOOSE CREAMY SHADOWS 4. Laura Mercier Satinée Crème Eye Colour contains silicone that locks the color in place $35 www.sephora.com look to liquid Liquid liner may take patience and practice, but once on, a good formula won’t budge or smudge in the heat like a kohl pencil can. 5. Shiseido Makeup Automatic Fine Eyeliner. $32, www.sephora.com . FLUSH WITH GREATNESS As with powder shadow, powder blush and perspiration don’t mix. Instead, rub a bright pink or coral cream or gel blush on the apples of your cheeks, and blend. We like 6. Stila Convertible Color
12 - Hollywood WEEKLY
hollywood
Summer must haves
beauty & fashion
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Editor’s Pick
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Dual Lip and Cheek Cream in Fuchsia. $25, www.allure.com Get Flirty-8. All you need is a Bettini bikini, the patterns are perfect for a day by the sea. www.bettinis.com “Trapeze Top” $73 & “Chelsea Bottom” $70 www.DianesBeachwear.com the statement - 9. Yes, jewelry is a definite MUST for summer-days. Try the charming HARLOW STATEMENT NECKLACE WHITE $195 and DARBY EARRINGS PALM - CHALCEDONY $75 to really make a statement. www.kendrascott.com FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY FREE-10. It’s beach time! And every lady knows you never get near water without the right pair of shoes. This flexible new slip on lace up is totally water friendly. Protect your feet while looking sweet. F Troupe K106 $60 www.solestruck.com the SunGlasses - 11. Looking stunning beachside is a breeze with these bold sunnies, Strummer by OLIVER PEOPLES $450. www.barneys.com Sand Candy - 12. The What A Spectacle Beach Tote is the perfect beach bag to throw your towel and sunscreen in. This cotton tote is very spacious and features a fun sunglasses pattern, plus it has comfortable shoulder straps. Marc BY MARC JACOBS. $248. www.marcjacobs.com. SPF LOVE- 13 & 14. Dermalogica always is the best when it comes to protecting your skin from harmful summer rays. Take our word for it and keep the SPF on at all times.. & keep a hat handy too! Broad spectrum tint $40 & shield $48 www.Dermalogica.com Editor’s Pick 15.Specifically designed for ridding the skin of dryness. This exfoliant vastly improves the complexion for clearer, more radiant skin, while the acai berries and bamboo heal and tone the skin. Organic aloe vera, essential oils and raspberries draw toxins out and the exfoliant is high in antioxidants to nourish and protect the skin while ridding old skin layers. - Jeffrey James Botanicals “The Exfoliant” $36 Whole Foods 16. Make your next gift memorable and exceptional. Wrap your present with Gift it GreenTM (gig) eco-chic reusable fabric gift boxes. “Gigs” make any gift special and replace the need for cards, paper wrap, tissue, and paper gift bags. $14-$18. www.giftitgreen.com.
JULY
2012 - 13
14 - Hollywood WEEKLY
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Cover story
Criminal Defens e and Personal Inj u ry At torney
Matthew Murillo Seeing Life Through A U n i q u e L e n s O f “J u s t i c e ” by:anthony ewart - photogr aphy by: jenny lopez
16 - Hollywood WEEKLY
I
t was through “Word of Mouth” that I found out about Attorney Matthew Murillo, and like everyone else who’s come into contact with him, I’ve become part of his “justice league,” which is a growing number of Angelenos who believe he is one of the few lawyers in our city who genuinely understands and cares about “Justice.”
Like any great mythology Matthew’s interest in law started very early – ninth grade. His brother, who is four years older than him, had started to rebel against authority and got into trouble with the law. Matthew witnessed firsthand how hard it was for his mother to find a lawyer who was actually concerned about his brother’s case and wasn’t just after their money. They were forced to use a Public Defender and Matthew watched as his brother literally slid down into “the system,” and the “at risk youth” statistics added one more number to its spreadsheet. Matthew’s brother vividly described his experiences in the legal system to him and the seed for becoming a Criminal Defense Attorney was planted – in high school. While most of us were fighting over dating and jealousy and who was cheating on whom, Matthew was thinking about ways he could improve our legal system and impart fairness to people who always seem to get trapped in its matrix. During Matthew’s freshman year as an undergrad he interned at a Police Station in the forensics unit which provided him with invaluable knowledge on investigating criminal cases: literally what it takes to convict or exonerate someone accused of a felony. Matthew discovered that his suspicions about justice not being fairly distributed were correct, not the forensics unit in and of itself, but the system as a whole. In his junior year of undergrad he started working for a “group home,” helping teenage boys with criminal records. Matthew thought he might end up practicing Juvenile Defense because as he told me during our interview here at Sunset Gower Studios: “Everybody deserves a second chance, especially with kids. With 14 or 15 years olds they may end up doing something wrong, maybe get in a fight, which can ultimately lead to some kind of a battery charge and expulsion which isn’t good for their record. You don’t want one mistake in school to affect the rest of their adult life.”
“
Imagine this: you’re at a party with your friends or family, celebrating an occasion and having a fun time – but outside the club or restaurant, officers are waiting for you to leave so they can follow you and pull you over for D.U.I........” Matthew worked with the kids in the group home for almost two years, talking with every one of them, and told me they were all amazing teens with great personalities – they just made mistakes. After graduating Matthew went straight to Law School, still
believing he would be a Juvenile Defense Lawyer. His first year of law school he interned at a Juvenile Defense Firm, which confirmed his love of the field, but in his second year he took a job at a Criminal Defense Firm in Riverside that specialized in D.U.I. cases – little did he know that this would be the legal field to crystalize and define the legal aspirations that he dreamed about as a young teenager. Imagine this: you’re at a party with your friends or family, celebrating an occasion and having a fun time – but outside the club or restaurant, officers are waiting for you to leave so they can follow you and pull you over for D.U.I. Sound like “profiling,” it is, and it does happen – not all the time, but would you like to be the guy who left the bachelor party and five minutes later is stopped by officers and accused of D.U.I.? These are the kind of stories Matthew saw firsthand, and why his focus gradually shifted from only helping kids to including “Adults” in his Criminal Defense pursuit. What you have to understand about Atty. Matthew Murillo is that he’s able to empathize with and understand literally anyone. He’s proud of his immigrant background and grew up with a younger brother born with cerebral palsy, so discrimination is something he’s been “defending” for as long as he can remember. In Matthew’s own words: “I have a unique lens of justice.” Owning his own Criminal Defense and Personal Injury law practice came natural to Matthew; his parents started a business when Matthew was still in high school and Matthew has an older brother who owns his own construction company – entrepreneurship runs in the family. One of the main advantages to Matthew’s law practice is his accessibility. You can burn a lot of minutes on your phone plan trying to track down most attorneys in Los Angeles to find out the status of your case – Matthew is a lawyer who understands how frustrating it is to be clueless on where you stand legally, and the negative effect this can have on your disposition and outlook, so making himself available to his clients is a priority. Every one of Matthew’s clients has his personal email and cell phone number so the lines of communication with him are always open many of his clients even prefer texting with him, though they rarely use the term “lol.” HW: “Matthew, you’ve been very successful as a sole practitioner of Criminal Defense and Personal Injury; what do you do (strategically) different than other attorneys in Los Angeles? ATTY. MATTHEW MURILLO: First of all, thank you for saying that. With Criminal Defense it’s all about communicating well with the District Attorney. If it’s not a good case for trial I want to do everything to work out the best deal for my client, which includes lightening their punishment. I’ll never take my client into a trial that I know they can’t win. HW: So, honesty is a big part of your practice. ATTY. MURILLO: Absolutely. I don’t believe in trying to “strong arm” the D.A. or being confrontational with them unnecessarily – my priority is working out an optimal settlement for my client. So, having a respectful “working relationship” with the D.A. is paramount. The District Attorney has to believe that I’m a “man of my word,” so when I speak about my client they know I’m telling the truth about the facts of the case. JULY
2012 - 17
HW: And the facts are everything. ATTY. MURILLO: They are, and investigating my cases thoroughly is the cornerstone of my practice. I can’t get the best deal for my client unless I really know what did and didn’t happen. HW: You’d think all attorneys would do that but I know many just want to get clients in and out of their office as quickly as possible – it’s a paycheck and a revolving door. ATTY. MURILLO: That’s right, but what’s important for me is the life of my client, and everything really begins with the arrest report – that’s all the D.A. has initially so the more detailed and comprehensive my investigation of the arrest report is, the better I’ll know if the police respected my client’s constitutional rights in their arrest. HW: And if they didn’t? ATTY. MURILLO: Then I file a “motion to suppress” whatever evidence was gathered unconstitutionally or illegally. In essence, I’m asking the judge to strip away the evidence the D.A. will need for their case which gives me more leverage in working out a deal for my client or obtaining an outright dismissal of the case. 18 - Hollywood WEEKLY
HW: I’ve watched a lot of “Law & Order” so I know the D.A. and the arresting officers don’t always see eye to eye on the arrest report. ATTY. MURILLO: No, they won’t, which is good for my client, and that’s why it’s important for the D.A. to trust that I’m going to do an extensive investigation on that initial arrest report. HW: You primarily deal with Personal Injury, Criminal and D.U.I. cases, so when you’re reading the arrest report you’re looking for valid reasons why the police stopped your client, because we talked earlier about officers who sometimes stake out clubs or restaurants where they know people are celebrating. What are some of the crazy excuses cops have for stopping people? ATTY. MURILLO: They rarely vary. In one case, an individual was pulled over because the arresting officer said they “hesitated” to drive when the traffic light turned from red to green. HW: I’m sorry, you said they were accused of “hesitating” before driving on a green light. That was the “probable cause” the police had.
ATTY. MURILLO: Hard to believe, but the Court thought so. In another case, an individual was pulled over because the arresting officer “thought” they saw my client throw a cigarette out of their car window. HW: I imagine they brought in “CSI” to recover it off the road. Sounds like you can dismantle a lot of these arrest reports fairly quickly. ATTY. MURILLO: And others I really have to dissect, but the bottom line is this is my job and I love what I do. I’m passionate about pursuing justice for my clients and making sure everyone gets their due process. I know what it’s like for people who, financially, aren’t able to hire the “best” representation and fall through the system. HW: And you’re there to catch them. ATTY. MURILLO: That’s right. I’m here to catch them. For more information please visit: www.murillolawyer.com
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COWBOY ARTIST TO THE STARS
Al Shelton The A r t ist ic Craftsman for the Hollywood Elite opens his pr ivate collect ion to the public for sale! By Jenny Wer th
20 - Hollywood WEEKLY
Al’s store in Studio City
A
l Shelton is as rare as his creations of artistry that fill up a much-loved store on Ventura Boulevard. He’s a self-taught maestro at leather crafting, artistry, music and everything else that represents artistic brilliance. I sat down to speak with the 92-year-old artisan recently for just a glimpse into how he created such a masterpiece of a life. Especially in a trade that requires great patience coupled with incredible passion. A trade in which today, we find workers few and far between witth the same dedication and pride found
Sculpted by Al Shelton and De L’Esprie this Gene Autry tribute is the center piece at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles CA.
“You do things the best you can with what you have to work with,” Al said. Indeed, from the old-fashioned looking amount of tools still hanging neatly in their workroom spots, it’s easy to imagine Al spending 12-hour days working away on a project. As the store closes, all the amazing creations by his hands will be sold off or moved to another location soon. Already his work fills some of the most impressive museums and Hollywood homes. In fact, 75 of his pieces are in the esteemed Gene Autry Museum. And much of his work has been
And then there’s the leather director’s chair he was commissioned to make by Sylvester Stallone for Susan Anton. Susan Anton, for those of you who are too young to know, was a premier recording artist and Las Vegas staple who starred in the movie “Golden Girl.” Al shared the story of the chair in the “Make It Leather Magazine” for which he was a regular contributor. His “Tricks of The Trade” story in the July 1980 issue reads as follows: “’A beautiful chair for a beautiful lady.’” ‘”This instruction came to me from Sylvester Stallone for a leather director’s
“You do things the best you can with what you have to work with,” in Al’s exceptional designs. Certainly, his eyes tell a story themselves. As we spoke, Al sat on one of his original leather chairs discussing the different parts of his career. And, it turns out that with each story came a different emotion glossing over his eyes. It would be hard not to feel deep emotion, for Al Shelton is closing his studio soon. It’s the signature shop on Ventura Boulevard that resembles what I’d describe to be an artisan and cowboy’s office all in one. It’s a museum-like shop filled to the brim with leather crafts and art pieces of every kind. There are engraved leather guitar covers, horse’s saddles, ladies’ shoes and portraits with such divine detail and craftsmanship it boggles the mind. Then there are the iron castings of horse’s hooves; hand painted art representing the various eras through Al’s life; piles of magazines with the stories of Al’s career; his worker’s area filled to the rim with tools to design the most detailed of engravings; along with just about every other kind of artisan’s objects you can imagine. His worker’s area allows the mind to wander back in time. A time where people actually spent hours banging a leather canvas with a stamping stick- often made out of rawhideto create the desired leather to work with.
commissioned from many of Hollywood’s biggest stars. For example, he made silver buckles for Gene Autry, the famous cowboy singer. He proudly wears one of the four he duplicated for himself on his leather belt everyday. I saw it. It is a design that must be seen with the eye to truly appreciate.
chair for Susan Anton…. In that Susan is a statuesque blonde, the chair would be blonde, the leather maintaining a creamy new look as opposed to darkening it a russet leather look. Her name would be carved on the backrest in fancy letters forming an arc. That was the extent of the
JULY
2012 - 21
specifics from Sly.’” Sly and many other celebrities- artists in their own genre- clearly understood that a creator such as Al required that the work be left to the artistic expression of the artist. And this was something Al provided for numerous A-list stars throughout his career. Everything from guitar covers to lettering-scrollwork on leather art creations, to camera covers, to just about anything the mind can envision. Still even today Al helps to create original pieces for some of his most devoted clientele. Al is a self-made man; he never even finished the ninth grade. But that only pushed his will to succeed. He was a hobbyist who turned his love for his craft into a career. But it wasn’t an easy journey; he barely made enough to cover his rent at many points. However, always the problem-solver, he would find a way to barter a place to live in exchange for his work. And little by little, his talent took on a life of its own as his creations became more in demand. In fact, Al even taught at Compton College for five years (despite the fact that he didn’t even have his high school diploma), because the principal said he was the best there was. So ignoring all standard protocol required to be a teacher, Al was put in employment. “So I got my credential and taught leather work (at Compton College), because I’m good at it and they can’t take that away from me.” He’s certainly a man who made it through the storms of life. Many of the same kind of storms that are depicted in his numerous art works. The kind of ‘life storms’ that show cowboys on lone horses left to their own devices to make it in life. Or the lone man, left with both a twinkle in his eye coupled with a lingering doubt of the future. Too many are his paintings to describe. They have a life of their own, all of them, framed and covered with glass to protect their expression. Al even taught some famous ‘singing cowboys on the radio’ in the 50s how to play the guitar. Sometimes when you have as many talents as a man named Al Shelton, you have to pick and choose where to dedicate the bulk of your time. Seldom does an artist have the capacity to sit and recall so many pivotal moments in his life- because it can be simply too emotional. Sometimes it can be just too hard. But, he spoke freely and with great 22 - Hollywood WEEKLY
tenderness. I was treated to the best ‘discovery’ of this man toward the end of our talk. It happened when he took out his guitar and began to sing “Mona Lisa” to me. Of course, we’ve all heard “Mona Lisa” made famous by Nat King Cole in the 50s and sung by just about every lover ever since. Two of the lyrics ask, “Are you warm, are you real, Mona Lisa? Or just a cold and lonely, lovely work of art?” I don’t think it would be hard for Al to answer a similar question about his own works of art. For all his art exude feeling. They’re either full of warmth, love, thoughtfulness and/or various deep influences. So, it’s with little effort that the viewer is allowed to see right into the heart of their creator. Al’s personal collection is now for sale! This is your chance to own a piece of western art history. For more information please visit: www.artisanstudioworks.com Call Greg M. Atkin at 714-663-0071 for additional details.
EVENT HONOREES NAOMI WATTS, DIANE KRUGER, JESSICA CHASTAIN, LUDIVINE SAGNIER AND SHAILENE WOODLEY,
THE INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER PROJECT
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION AND EUPHORIA CALVIN KLEIN
HONORED WOMEN
IN INDEPENDENT FILM AT THE
65TH CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
Calvin
Klein,
Inc.
announced
that
the
Independent
Filmmaker Project, Calvin Klein Collection and euphoria Calvin Klein will hELD their second annual event honoring women in independent film at Villa Saint Georges for the 65th Cannes Film Festival. JULY
2012 - 23
The invitation-only event, hosted by Joana Vicente, Executive Director of IFP, and Francisco Costa, Women’s Creative Director of Calvin Klein Collection, will celebrate notable female directors, actresses, and producers who have made an impact on independent film. Last year’s honorees included Uma Thurman, Rosario Dawson, Jessica Chastain, Emily Browning, Clémence Poésy, Jane Campion, Julia Leigh, Jessica Brentnall and Liza Johnson. Also in attendance were the following guests: Lara Stone, Natalia Vodianova, Vanessa Hudgens, Owen Wilson, Vahina Giocante, Aimee Mullins, DJ Mia Moretti, Jessica Capshaw, Mia Wasikowska, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Meredith Vieira, Inès de la Fressange, AnneSolenne Hatte, Max Irons, David Walliams, and André Saraiva. The exclusive event also continues the partnership between IFP and euphoria Calvin Klein to support women in independent film with the euphoria Calvin Klein Spotlight on Women Filmmakers “Live the Dream” grant. The inaugural award for an alumnus of IFP’s Independent Filmmaker Labs was first announced at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and presented during the Gotham Independent Film Awards in November 2011 to Lucy Mulloy, the writer and director of Una Noche.
PICTURES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1: DAVID SCHWIMMER , LARA STONE AND DAVID WALLIAMS 2: JESSICA CHASTAIN , JOSHUA JACKSON AND DIANE KRUGER 3: ISLA FISHER
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PICTURES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1: ALEC BALDWIN AND HIS NEW FIANCEE HILARIA THOMAS 2: JESSICA CHASTAIN AND SHAILENE WOODLEY, 3: MELISSA GEORGE AND HUSBAND 4:NAOMI WATTS
JULY
2012 - 25
I can help you buy
property in paradise
and no one will even know you’re here! Gayle Ching: the Big Island Realtor A land where kings once lived and where now, the new royalty -- Hollywood stars -- have married, vacationed and made it a second home. An oasis where Hollywood’s A-list finds an escape from the red-carpet. The choice is clear: Hawaii is one of the remaining places to find privacy and luxury in our exclusive, but secluded properties... With warmest aloha!
Your Go-to Realtor for all of your
Gayle Ching Regional VP MacArthur & Company Sothebys International Realty 808.987.9155 cell Email: CallGayleChing@gmail.com :
here on the Big Island of Hawaii JULY
2012 - 27
BRAVO NETWORK STAR PATTI STANGER LAUNCHES
PATTIKNOWS.COM
And Celebrates Her Birthday With A Celebrity Soiree
A Fine Frenzy’s Alison Sudol
OC Housewives’ Alexis Bellino and Vicki Gunvalson
Patti Stanger and her birthday cake at Koi restaurant in Los Angeles
Patti Stanger, Lisa Vanderpump, Kyle Richards, Jenni Pulos and Lisa Vanderpump’s husband
Madison Hildebrand from “Million Dollar Listing”
28 - Hollywood WEEKLY
Destin Pfaff, Rachel Federoff, and Patty Stanger
B
ravo Network star and host of ‘Millionaire Matchmaker’ Patti Stanger launched of her new dating, love, and relationship website PattiKnows.com in conjunction with SheKnows.com recently. The matchmaker to the stars celebrated the launch of the new media site with a private celebrity bash that also served as her red carpet birthday soiree. The event featured familiar faces from the ‘Millionaire Matchmaker’ show, as well as, celebrity friends and supporters of Patti Stanger. Bravo Network taped exclusive footage for the next season of ‘Millionaire Matchmaker’ on-site at Koi Los Angeles in Hollywood.
Alexis Bellino and Husband Jim Bellino
Photo by bayoubellesphotography@yahoo.com
y Photo b
Ash ley
Gla sco
Flower Chic Boutique
F
lower Chic Boutique provides its customers with a wide variety of custom handmade headbands, flower hats, and clips for babies, toddlers, as well as adults at comparable prices. Flower Chic Boutique where quality is never compromised was created in 2008. The boutique delivers unparalleled products to its clients. What started as a hobby quickly became the latest trend. Jaime Tempest, owner and designer of Flower Chic Boutique, creates the finest quality hair accessories with one thing in mind: that is to create a piece that makes every little girl feel like a princess and every woman feel like a queen. Tying in the latest trends with her bold charismatic personality and sense of style, Flower Chic Boutique has evolved. This trendy boutique prides itself on having reasonably priced pieces while perfectly capturing the true embodiment of self in each piece. Flower Chic Boutique originally was created when Jaime’s daughters started wearing her creations to school. And ever since, these hair accessories have been in high demand. Since the company’s beginning, Flower Chic Boutique has always had the characteristics of providing excellent service to its customers. This penchant to bring the finest fabrics and jewels
By Meagan Sargent
when creating the hair accessories and jewelry has become the personal mantra of the boutique. “Before I had children, I had no desire or interest to do this sort of thing,” says Jaime Tempest, “however once it got started, I had no idea it’d go this way, it’s really exciting!” Taking the appropriate steps to further establish her brand, Flower Chic Boutique has been in various events such as the Kids Choice Awards and most recently the WOW! Creations Gifting Suite for the MTV Movie Awards as part of the IndiExhibit. Based upon the prominent idea to build awareness while elevating your brand, the IndiExhibit is an organization that represents independent artists around the globe. Through the IndiExhibit independent artists are able to collectively come together and showcase their brand and services through celebrity gifting. The IndiExhibit organization participates in an array of Hollywood elite gifting suites, which benefit its participants greatly through instant product placement and branding. Through the IndiExhibit there is not an application and the organization supports various artists with a multitude of creative talents and products from art to boutique, soaps and bath products to jewelry, music, handmade goods, clothing, accessories, and much more.
The Flower Chic Boutique motto ‘chic but simple’, is a lesson to live by and women and girls alike worldwide have taken a strong liking. Upon joining IndiExhibit the Flower Chic Boutique has been promoting its brand and increasing awareness. The boutique has generated so much buzz it has now expanded to jewelry. Taking a stronger personal approach with her jewelry line, the current collection of Flower Chic Boutique jewelry is fresh, young, and vibrant and consists of a few ‘chunky’ pieces that are sure to get you noticed and complete your desired look. Surrounded by a great support system that consists of her two daughters and husband, whom are all very supportive and excited for what is in store, Flower Chic Boutique is on the road to success and becoming a trademark with celebrities, tastemakers, and key influencers not only in Los Angeles but worldwide. At Flower Chic Boutique, Jaime stands by strong beliefs in quality, service, and value, striving to ensure our customers enjoy wearing the products almost as much as they love their purchase. Shop online and you’ll see why Flower Chic Boutique is a truly unique, classic, and extraordinary one-stop -shop. www.flowerchicboutique.com www.facebook.com/flowerchicboutique1
JULY
2012 - 29
Ringing
in the
2012 MTV Movie
MTV Movie Awards in style, gifting suites kicked off to prepare celebrities WOW! Creations held their private celebrity gifting suite at the lavish Roosevelt Hotel located right on Hollywood Boulevard.
big event!
30 - Hollywood WEEKLY
for the
Awards Gifting Suites
L
asio Haircare, the official gift lounge sponsor, provided those in attendance with ultimate hair care products. Delivering prime professional hair care products at an exceptional low price, Lasio Haircare allows you to look your best at all times. The Lasio Haircare line uses keratin, which is protein capable of restoring strength and shine regardless of the type of hair you have. Lasio Haircare can be found in salons and can be used at home. Repeat Possessions were gifting yoga wear and camisoles that are one size fits all. Ultra comfortable and soft fabric allows the body to breathe and flow while wearing these creations. Hope for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) was also in attendance to spread the word of SMA, which is the number one genetic killer of children under the age of two. Their mission is to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves by raising awareness, support, and funding. There is not a cure for SMA at the moment, to assist in the fight for finding a cure and get involved, please visit www.hopeforsma.org C-Zen provided ‘The Art of Relaxation’. Using palm shape technology, C-Zen created the ultimate travelling pillow. Infused with microcurrent foam with a smooth satin finish, C-Zen is a great travel necessity. Royal Street Wear is a new line of street wear that is sure to give ‘Diesel’ a run for its money. Taking a twist on that average t-shirt, Royal Street Wear is hitting the streets of Hollywood and all are in strong liking. Keeping the party going, Dama Tequila served some refreshing cocktails for those in attendance. Priding itself upon the fact that its a female luxury tequila made for women by women that is strong enough for a man but smooth enough for a woman. Additional sponsors for the WOW! Creations gifting suite include: Bagadocious, Jody Vialy Jewelry, Sculptures by Stella, Vita Coco, and Indiexhibit. Nicknamed ‘The Kings of Swag’, Mark and Matt Harris produced another successful event! Kari Feinstein’s Style Lounge was the premiere stop for celebrities for the 2012 MTV Movie Awards festivities for nominees, presenters, trendsetters, and VIP’s. Known for its ability to deliver results, Kari Feinstein's elegant Style Lounge has always been a favorite stop for A-List Celebrities. Kari Feinstein’s 2012 MTV Movie Awards gifting suite was held this year at the beautiful W Hotel in Hollywood. Here, the VIP’s were pampered, styled, and treated to fashion’s finest, beauty’s best, and life’s luxuries before the 2012 MTV Movie Awards. Whether you're feeling sick, need a burst of energy or are sleep deprived, Marz Sprays, were sure to have a spray to accommodate, as they come in: c-spray, slim spray, sleep spray, reboot, and kids spray. Marz Sprays ensures that all products are safe, convenient, effective, and easy to take. Chic and one-of-a-kind clothing and jewelry from Wings Hawaii were display, and not to mention a huge hit at the style lounge. Kin Los Angeles is a local retail destination that features the latest collections from established designers around the globe. Refreshing beverages were provided by: Zico Coconut Water-which introduced its new Zico'latte (coconut water with a hint of espresso taste without the negative effects as expresso), Clearly Kombuchasparkling fermented tea put a refreshing twist of modern day drinks. Lets just say this drink is more than a tasty beverage it’s equal parts modern love story, innovation, and artisan craft, and Coco Breve which is a first of a kind bubbly alcoholic beverage made with all-
natural coconut water. Marco Ochoa showcased his amazing talents by wowing celebrities, press, and tastemakers by introducing his eyebrow wax and even giving eyebrow threading treatments which is the latest Hollywood craze. The Magic Bullet introduced the Party Bullet, which is the perfect party in a box! The Party Bullet set comes with a blender, cups, and lids, complete with a drink mix guide for to assist in creating that perfect cocktail. Additional sponsors for the style lounge include: Vegas Hot Spots, Caribbean Living Magazine, Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, Melt LA, essie, Rudsak, and Whitehall Spirit. The Kari Feinstein Style Lounge benefits The Creative Coalition, the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan social and political advocacy organization of the entertainment industry which educates and mobilizes leaders in the arts community on issues of public importance, specifically in the areas of First Amendment rights, arts advocacy and public education. As always the PR guru's over at Kari Feinstein Style Lounge delivered another spectacular event complete with Hollywood's elite, amazing views, good company and great swag! Bringing the weekend of swag to an end in nothing less than style and class was the Debbie Durkin "Rockn Rolla" MTV Movie Awards Eco Lounge which was presented by Gibson Guitar to benefit Music Saves Lives®. The interactive daytime event pampered guests with eco-luxury lifestyle brands and services at the breathtaking historic Pickford Mansion where the Oscar-winning Best Picture “The Artist” was filmed. Presenting sponsor Gibson Guitar featured live acoustic performances while promoting blood drives for the American Red Cross and Music Saves Lives. Guard a Heart offered celebrities their TruRisk complimentary 5-yr cardiac risk assessment test. Max Mcilwee of The Dirty Hype painted a graffiti art wall sponsored by Agave Underground throughout event. What more can you ask for, attendees were able to bask in the gorgeous Southern California weather, enjoy a few cocktails, jam out to live music, while receiving great gifts from the various sponsors. DJ Spark kept the vibe flowing with the hottest beats in between the musical performances of Poor Man’s Poison, Of Verona, The Command Sisters, The Samuel Smith Band, Pablo Blaqk, Beverly Staunton, Nick Kai, Kim DiVine, Elle Gie & Burning Slow, Yvonne Larson, Echosmith, Todd O, Zac Callison & Delirium, Xander Smith, Bad Suns, John Tatum, and spoken word from the WOW Youth Poetry Collective (WYPC). Those in attendance were able to enjoy an array of eco-friendly products and services such as: totebags from Bling is the New Black; various hand crafted designs for men, women and children from House of Minerva, lifestyle tees from Dirtee Hollywood, natural growth inhibitor systems from Dominic Diselle, eco surf products and surf lessons from EpicSUP (the world’s first full scale eco surfboard production facility), headphones from House of Marley, handcrafted bracelets from The Lace Project, shoes from Swyt Culture, Clif & Luna Bars, and much more. Debbie Durkin knows how to throw a suite, and give the people what they want. Guests that attended the gifting suites were well prepared for the MTV Movie Awards. JULY
2012 - 31
32 - Hollywood WEEKLY
‘What a wonderful place this world would be if we could all tap into our dreams and passions and not only take a risk, but enjoy the adventure as well. Designer, Kate Elfatah has done this with her artistic ability to craft quality and trendy women’s and children’s apparel and accessories.’ Living by its motto, which is to encourage women and children to show their true colors, House of Minerva is everything but ordinary. Owned and operated by entrepreneur, Kate Elfatah, House of Minerva is a design house that creates trendy and versatile products for every lifestyle without compromising quality and budget.
Where style meets individuality, House of Minerva offers an assortment of styles and products for its customers. Tailormade to the needs of its clients, House of Minerva delivers products that are not only fun, funky, and fresh, but also gives individuals meaning that each style offered is truly ‘one of a kind’. House of Minerva is an iconic way of life with a passionate meaning behind the name that embodies the mission for the brand itself. Minerva represents the Roman Goddess of Art, Music, and Poetry, which embodies the talented, Kate Elfatahthe face of House of Minerva. House of Minerva is a one woman show. Elfatah designs and sews each piece by hand, with a keen eye for detail and functionality. “I am a very colorful person, and my designs are bold and brave,” says Elfatah, “I want my products to be that ONE thing in your closet that is fun and funky, that will make you stand out from the crowd- be original and be brave enough to sport this today.” Elfatah had a corporate job in which she travelled a lot and was never home. Corporate America gave Elfatah 16 years of business sense, tying in skill and functionality in addition to her background in business has allowed Elfatah to create and maintain a successful and rapidly growing business. Her husband encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming a designer, local business owner, and overall fashion-forward icon and leave the corporate world behind. It wasn’t until one evening when her husband advised her to quit her job, “and to this day I am forever grateful,” boasts Elfatah. “He even allows me to make our home into a shop- he is phenomenal.” One evening when Elfatah and her husband were going out to the movies, a young lady was sporting one of her creations, and it clicked that she could handle this industry. Elfatah was about to change the scene on fashion accessories by taking a new approach incorporating versatility and durability. Using an eclectic line of colorful prints from the fun and trendy classic bags to the classic Asian motifs, House of Minerva offers handbags and women and children’s apparel. They are designed with classic yet fun patterns, utilizing retro fabrics
with a few new twists on standard apparel. Unlike most designers, Elfatahs is in tune with her clients and uses a very hands-on approach. By conducting her research and keeping up with the trends, Elfatah takes it one step further; she also conducts surveys to see what it is that her customers really want, and what they look for in a great product. To prove her dedication to her brand, Elfatah has decided to get a tattoo, not just any tattoo, but a ‘seamstress sleeve.’ The tattoo is a mirage of necessities in her business such as a sewing machine and thread strategically placed together. This tattoo showcases her love and undying passion in this industry. “It’s also marketing, it’s a great conversation piece,” says Elfatah, “many people are so intrigued by the tattoo that I describe it to them and introduce them to my brand.” House of Minerva’s most popular tote earlier this year was the ‘Sack Tote’. The sack tote is machine washable and reversibleso it’s two bags in one. Sack totes are great for that person that is on the go, travelling, shopping, or just a day out on the town, sack totes are the way to go and are also a celebrity favorite. Currently the ‘Bucket Bag’ sells out every week. This bag is made of outdoor patio furniture fabric so it is great for the beach or just about anything. It doesn’t take people long to realize a great product, as House of Minerva has only been around for a year and a half. Hollywood tastemakers, celebrities, and key members of the media are avid admirers of not only the product that House of Minerva offers, but the brand, message, and Kate Elfatah herself! Nurturing key relationships that have been established and treating every client as an individual, House of Minerva is rapidly rising on the radar. Kate Elfatah is a force to be reckoned with, and the perfect combination of fashion and individuality. Every item offered by House of Minerva is chic and unique without breaking the bank. Check out her full line at www.houseofminerva.com
good eats
VIVA MEXICO E X P ER I EN C E A M O D ERN ME X I C O A T
TORTILLA REPUBLIC
W
e know you miss Fat Fish, but sushi joints are a dime a dozen in L.A. So are Mexican restaurants— unless it’s a restaurant like Tortilla Republic. After all, you wouldn’t expect to find a cucumber lavender margarita and duck confit tacos at any old burrito stand. The folks behind the popular Taste restaurants on Melrose and in the Pacific Palisades have brought their upscale yet casual version of Mexican cantina fare to the heart of WeHo with this colorful yet understated candlelit cocina. Dramatic décor elements include an intimate front patio blooming with succulents, an eyecatching central tree sculpture, a white-onyx bar displaying a wall of tequila and a private dining room draped with cascading ropes
34 - Hollywood WEEKLY
reminiscent of a hammock—a relaxing image reinforced by the main room’s palapa-like thatched roof. It’s like eating at a nice beach restaurant in Mexico, only in the heart of West Hollywood. While sipping the aforementioned margarita— or perhaps the “Perfect” with reposado tequila, Cointreau, agave-lime sweet and a Grand Marnier float (there’s also a concise wine list with a focus on Spanish-speaking countries)— munch on the trio of salsa and ceviche of the day while deciding on your mains. The food here is made according to one of the owners’ mother’s recipes, using farm-fresh and organic products whenever possible. The huarache filete crispy corn flatbread with all-natural tenderloin, caramelized onions,
manchego cheese and chili mulato oil is a great dish to share, though you’ll be keeping the lobster enchiladas with truffled tomatillo seafood bisque, manchego and jack cheeses with shaved black truffle to yourself. The short rib chile verde all-natural beef short ribs slowcooked in spicy roasted tomatillo-jalapeno chili with jalapeno roasted garlic potato puree and verde sauce is another standout. The tres leches is a popular dessert choice, but consider keeping it simple—order the churros with a trio of dipping sauces. Tortilla Republic 616 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 657-9888; tortillarepublic.com
own the night
Manor of Speaking L a C i en eg a’s N ew D i n n er- Pa r t y M a n s i o n
Y
ou already know who you’d invite to your imaginary anybody-in-theworld dinner party. Pitt. Mendes. Angela Merkel.
Now you just need a place to hold it, and there’d better be a dance floor. Allow us to introduce Greystone Manor Supperclub, La Cienega’s beautifully insane new mansion of dining, dancing and showgirls, now open Thursdays and Saturdays for your next over-the-top dinner soiree.
First step: call out of work on Friday. Second step: wait for Thursday, when you’ll step inside SBE’s glittering redo of the Industry space for dinner. It’s a vast, cavernous manor with velvet seating, towering gold columns and giant crystal bubble chandeliers—sort of like your place, just a bit more subtle. You might expect stuffy food, but you’ll get platters of short rib grilled cheese from the Cleo chef.
moving to the music. Old-Hollywood showgirls will appear, moving to the LED light wall. And as you step out to the dance floor to debut your patent-pending new move, some limber aerialists will descend from somewhere above to try to steal your thunder.
But around the time you wave over another round of cucumber watermelon margaritas, things will start getting louder. Dance-ier. Behind the DJ, a huge LED light wall will begin
Greystone Manor Supperclub 643 N La Cienega Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-652-2012
H&K TOBACCO
Wouldn’t be a dinner party without limber aerialists.
Vaporizers and many locally blown glass pieces $10 - Special handpipes all year long Smokers every needed accessories
6238 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90038 323-466-2990 JULY
2012 - 35
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) at Sunset Gower Studios is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization designed to showcase innovative works by emerging filmmakers from around the world, providing the Los Angeles community of entertainment professionals and film goers with a constant surge of monthly screening events. NFMLA provides a forum where filmmakers can be recognized for their contributions, have open audience discussions about their projects and connect with industry professionals for insight on distribution, production, acquisition and representation.
LIGHT OF MINE * Name: Brett Eichenberger * Age: 36 * Location: Portland, Oregon
*What inspired you to make it? The Maiden and The Princess is a fairy tale about a little girl who needs to learn to love herself. I made this film for every little girl and boy out there that feels different without understanding why. There were no books or films with people like me in them when I was growing up. There was a Disney princess for every color of hair and every country, but no princess ever had a girlfriend. My goal with this project is to cut through the silence and facilitate honest communication between children and parents about sexual orientation. As a kid, I was afraid that by talking about my feelings, I would lose the people in my life I loved. I made this film so no kid has to feel ashamed of who they are. We as a society need to encourage individuality in children, even if it means exposing them to things we are afraid of.
* What is your film about? On the surface it’s about a photographer facing impending blindness. The underlying story is about overcoming life’s obstacles and persevering through adversity. * What inspired you to make it? As a visual artist I wanted to explore the idea of what I would do if I ever lost my sight. It’s a frightening thought for any of us involved in the arts, but ultimately I think part of being an artist is figuring out how to create art no matter what. This was really my conclusion after making this film; if I were to ever lose my sight, I’d figure out how to stay creative by any means. * Is there something about your film you wish you could change or improve? There’s always something I wish I could improve. If I could change something I would’ve explored Owen’s internal struggle more. * How did you hear about NewFilmmakers Los Angeles and why did you submit to them? We were very, very fortunate to be included in the 2011 AFI Fest. It was at AFI fest that we heard great things about NewFilmmakers LA. We submittedbased on the word of mouth.
THE MAIDEN & THE PRINCESS
*Is there something about your film you wish you could change or improve? No, I really love the movie, imperfections and all! * Any advice for new filmmakers? Don’t ever give up on a story you love. Love it with everything you’ve got and it’ll love you back! Also, in the words of one of my role models, Amanda Pope: “Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness if it comes to that.”
MEDITATIONS: SUPPER
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What inspired you to make it? “Supper” is the second in a thematic series of “Meditations” films that our team started making about three years ago. The idea behind “Meditations” is to illuminate everyday moments of life, dramatizing scenes that, on first appearance, don’t appear worthy of such treatment. In “Meditations”, the moments drive the story, instead of the other way around. I would consider them tributes to the every day. *How did you hear about NewFilmmakers Los Angeles and why did you submit to them? Some friends of mine had their short screened here a number of years ago. It was a great program, and stuck with me when we began submitting to festivals. * What’s Next? Our team has just finished shooting the third Meditation in the series, “Meditations: ItsOkayItsOkay”, our most ambitious yet. It tells the story of a sick little boy that must make the long journey down his own hallway in the middle of the night to wake up his father. We spent well over 10 months in preproduction, built three standing sets and filmed only a single weekend. We’re currently in post-production for that film. And after that, my DP, Alexander Paul, and I are working on a more narrative-based short film. We’ve just entered preproduction and are looking for fundraising partners as we begin our most ambitious project yet.
LIKING MEN * Name: Heather de Michele * Age: 38 * Location: Los Angeles
* Name: Christopher Saphire, Don Thiel III * Age: 27 and 28 respectively * Location: Hollywood CA, circa 1959 * What is your film about? While hiding in an at-
*Name Ali Scher Age: 27 *Location: Los angeles *What is your film about? Little Emmy Adams kisses a girl on the playground and is left feeling isolated and alone. The Grand High Council of Fairy Tale Rules and Standards led by Bernard (Julian Sands) sends her a hetero-normative fairytale to set her down the ‘right’ path in life. With the help of fairy godmother and rogue fairytale narrator, Hammond (David Anders), Emmy searches for herself amidst this musical fairytale.
they go out to dinner in full costume, they encounter an actual old couple who came of age during World War II.
* What is your film about? Liking Men is adapted from a Margaret Atwood short story by the same name. It tells the story of a woman struggling to like men again after a dark incident from her past.
tic, two teenagers discover artifacts from the 1940s. As they dress in the outfits of the time period, they begin to playfully assume elderly identities. When
* What inspired you to make it? Di Koob, the producer and writer of the adaptation approached me about the project. I was taken by the clever and often comical way in which both the short story and the adaptation were telling this unique story. I was
excited to dig into the visual elements of the script and inspired to find a new way to tell a story about abuse. * Is there something about your film you wish you could change or improve? No. I think it’s a lovely and powerful piece and I am very proud of the final product. * How did you hear about NewFilmmakers Los Angeles and why did you submit to them? Last year, a web-series I directed, The Real Girl’s Guide to Everything Else was presented at NFLA and I had the good fortune of experiencing the festival for the first time. I had a blast and have recommended the festival to all my filmmaker friends ever since. *Any advice for new filmmakers?Just keep putting it out there!
HOLIDAY ROAD • Name: Michael Suter, producer/co-writer/ co-director • Age 31 • Location Los Angeles, CA *What is your film about? Holiday Road” is a comedy that tells the story of one year through twelve holidays. Each holiday is made by a different LA-based writer/director. * What inspired you to make it? We have a lot of great comedy filmmakers and actors in our circle of friends and we thought this would be a great way to have big collaborative experience and also be able to go out to festivals with a feature. THAT, and probably several beers.
* What were some of the difficulties putting it together? Wrangling 12 different ZERO-BUDGET productions and keeping them all working and on schedule was just as challenging as making a traditional feature. The flip side of this coin was that with so many people attached to 12 separate productions, it created a huge network and community of people to promote and rally around the film.
cumbent upon the actors involved to really become the people in the world of “Magpie”. I would say the biggest challenge in this film was getting to a place personally where I could just trust that instinct, to let the film breathe. It was made a lot easier for me by being lucky enough to work with remarkable and tireless actors. Really looking forward to working with these people again!
* Is there something about your film you wish you could change or improve? Lindsay Buckingham’s attitude. * Any advice for new filmmakers? Read “Writing Movies for Fun and Profit” by Thomas Lennon and Ben Garant. Also, here’s a recipe for a dynamite Whiskey Sour: 2 oz. of Bourbon. 3/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice. 1 oz simple syrup. 1 oz. egg white. Add these ingredients together and shake vigorously. Then, add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a glass, straight up. Add 4-5 drops of Angostura Bitters on top of foam. Drink and carry on.
MAGPIE * Name: Russell O. Bush * Age: 26 * Location: Austin, TX * What is your film about? On a trip to reconnect with his estranged and recently engaged daughter Maggie, Philip finds himself alone at her home, building a picture of her through the possessions in her house. Shuffling though a stack of home videos Philip stumbles on an intimate sex tape of his daughter and her new fiancé Aaron. Driven by the guilt of his absence and the curiosity to learn who his daughter has become, Philip watches the tape; an act that forces him to confront the void of his fatherhood. Dinner is going to be awkward. * What were some of the difficulties putting it together? This was a new sort of project for me to take on, one that relied almost entirely on performances. We tried to make a film with very little in the way of cinematic slide of hand. The cinematography is very simple and observant, the locations subordinate to the characters, and no music for elevated emotion. So, it was in-
* How did you hear about NewFilmmakers Los Angeles and why did you submit to them? I actually had a couple friends working for some ABC shows at Sunset Gower and I thought it be fun to try and show the film at the studios there. I also love the idea of building community amongst independent filmmakers, though screening series. The fact that NewFilmmakers LA is a monthly series is a really cool thing. Seems like it’s been going great so far and I hope the momentum just continues to build! * Any advice for new filmmakers? You know I think the biggest thing really is to be concerned with content and not worry too much about bells and whistles so to speak. Really anyone can do that or at least try and pay to have it done, but at the end of the day we connect to films that have something to say, something to connect to other than fancy cameras and slick After Effects work. I think if filmmakers invest time and money into story development, casting, rehearsing, and more than all personal discovery there’s no way they can regret the process. In 2012 it’s pretty easy to create cinematic images for less. I’m also a cinematographer and to be totally candid I’d be fine if there are no breakthrough cameras in the next five years. I think we have all the tools we need out there. I’d say make films you care about, enjoy the process, and above all don’t worry about making the next Palme D’or winner.
CLUBSCENE * Name: Adriano Valentini * Age: 25 * Location: Shot in New York City * What is your film about? The Bartender and The Under-Ager are both part of the CLUBSCENE series, which focuses on the self abusing lifestyles of bartender Gabe Garibaldi and his friends. In The Bartender, Gabe finds himself caught up in a conversation on sex and friendship with a beautiful, mysterious girl. Before he knows it, he’s pulled into a twisted game of seduction and must answer the ultimate question - can guys and girls be just friends? The UnderAger, on the other hand, is different. After a night of partying, Gabe’s underage pal Murray confronts him with a problem he has when he’s “alone”. Gabe gives him some hilarious advice. * What inspired you to make it? The characters in the CLUBSCENE are inspired by my friends. The stories and conversations they have are all rooted in jokes, problems, conflicts and sometimes just funny things that happen to my friends and I when we go out. Of course it just starts there, then I try to make it more dramatic and funnier. In reality we’re not that interesting. * What were some of the difficulties putting it together?: We had no money. We managed to shoot both films back to back in one weekend for about $250. Everyone worked for free. Equipment was donated. My brother and friend flew to NYC from Toronto on their own expense to help out. I was lucky to have some amazing people work on the project.* What were some of the changes you
had to make from the screenplay when you began filming?: Because both films are basically conversations in one a room, there wasn’t a lot that changed. A few lines changed here and there during rehearsal, as we found new beats or thought something might be funnier, but essentially it’s the same as the script. * Is there something about your film you wish you could change or improve? I always wish I could make it better - just tighten it up here or there, make it funnier, whatever. But I have to say I’m really happy with how my actors worked their magic. * How did you hear about NewFilmmakers Los Angeles and why did you submit to them? I read about them online. * What’s next? CLUBSCENE the series. Go to www.clubscenetheseries. com to watch more! Also, I just finished shooting a new short called Face Divided, staring Christina Broccoloni (who also produced) and Carmine DiBenedetto. You can check out the trailer here: www.facedivided.com. Any advice for new filmmakers? Stop talking about it. Go out and shoot it.
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Bright Enabulele
BrightLife Music PRLog Bright Enabulele is the President and Founder of a successful corporate conglomerate that includes Bright Life Music, Bright Life Consulting Group, Bright Life Global, and Bright Life Global Donations. Bright is kicking off the year 2012 with a power move that is the talk of the music industry today.
featuring E40 to be announced “We want to be a part of bringing forth music that you can feel. When you keep your music simple, it will stand the test of time. Then, you’ll be there”, says Bright Enabulele, CEO of Bright Life Music.
BrightLife Music officially signed a major deal memo to bring the prestigious music distributor, Bungalo/Universal Music Group, on board to handle the label’s full on distribution of its music singles, cds and productions.
In addition to the nonstop work of his successful record label, Bright is simultaneously merging the efforts of his conglomerate to support philanthropic efforts to provide food, water, and other basic necessities to impoverished nations around the world. For these efforts, he has been coined by many as the new Bono of the music industry. “God gives you a talent to use to make a difference. he gives it to you to use. Music is a tool and it affects people’s moods. It affects people’s lives because its viral”, says Bright.
“On behalf of Bungalo/UMGD, we are proud to partner with Bright and to join the movement with him and his progressive label. We are proud to move forward with him and his artists in this innovative and collaborative partnership,” says Robert (Leo) Rodgers, Sr. Executive Vice President, Bungalo/Universal Music Group Dist. Bright Life Music is making its mark in bringing a fresh approach to hiphop and other genres of music in style and production that is sure to garner hits in 2012. “Bright Life Music is a movement. These guys are here to change the game”, says Scot Vanner, XXL Magazine. Bright Life Music is currently preparing for the launch of a mixtape as well as hiphop artist, Emaculent aka. Emac.,with a hot new single
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“We appreciate Bright’s vision for making the world a better place. His philosophy and ideologies are put in place to expand the philanthropic part of it all while sharing good music at the same time”, says Robert (Leo) Rodgers, Senior VP of Bungalo/UMGD. www.bungalorecords.com www.brightlifemusic.com
SUNSET GOWER + SUNSET BRONSON 23 sound stages, a new state-of-the-art post production facility, and over 750,000 square feet of office and support space on its 28-acres.
Come join our community of filmmakers at the Sunset Gower + Sunset Bronson Studios! 1438 N. Gower Street | Hollywood, CA 90028 | http://www.sgsandsbs.com
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