Santa AKA actor Nick Blady arrives in style
Actor Drew Rin Varick (R) gets in on the elf action. Louisiana talent donated more than 200 toys.
Rock, who is an actor, producer and independent filmmaker, is active in the local industry. He is an excellent networker with a keen sense of humor. It’s no surprise that he is the driving force behind the industry holiday party. “The 1st Annual LA Film Industry Christmas Party was held in 2008. At the time I was DJ-ing at a nightclub called C. Beever’s Bar of Music,” explains Rock. “I had already been working in the film industry for almost 3 years when it occurred to me that we did not have a Christmas party every year. Sure, there were wrap parties happening left and right, but those were for particular projects and you typically had to have worked on the project to get an invite. So, I just decided to start having an annual Christmas party where all departments and all involved within the LA Film Industry could get together and both socialize and network. For the first 6 years, I’ve held the party by myself through my group The Gulf South Actors. In 2014, I joined forces with Bill Rainey of The Holding Tent; we’ve continued to grow each year.” “I’ve been collecting toys for Children’s Hospital for nearly
MIndy Van Kuren and Rebecca Rutherford Diaz help Bill Rainey spread holiday cheer at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.
20 years,” continues Rock. “This was something that actor John Schneider inspired me to do many moons ago. As many know, John Schneider is the co-founder of The Children’s Miracle Network. Over the years, I’ve helped with numerous toy drives, all benefiting Children’s Hospital. In 2014, I decided to start collecting toys through the film industry at our Christmas party. Bill Rainey agreed, and it will now be tradition.” Remembering this year’s party, Rock adds, “This year’s turnout was the biggest and best yet. Because it has gotten larger each year, we had to find a larger venue. We found that at Encore Music Club in Metairie who also provided us with live music from Nashville South. Our attendance was well over 300, and we had people from every department including film studio owners, casting directors, agents, actors, directors, producers, gaffers, grips, make up, transportation. You name it, they were there!” While local cast and crew had a great time, it was the kids at Children’s Hospital who really had some extra Christmas magic this holiday season. LFV ISSUE SIX
LOUISIANA FILM & VIDEO MAGAZINE
57