ISSUE #10 | 07.30.20 DISPLAY UNTIL 08.27.20
FEATURE: OUTSHINE LGBTQ+ VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL FASHION & STYLE: PICTURE PERFECT FLIX: FAVORITEÂ FILMS
ALEX ESPENSHADE
BEAUTIFUL REDHEAD MODEL & ACTOR
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5. FLIX: MY FAVORITE FILMS
Film critic Alyn Darnay tells us why these three films are his favorites of all time.
10. FASHION & STYLE: PICTURE PERFECT We sat down with fashion photography duo CiNava to learn about their sought after work.
12. COVER STORY: BEAUTIFUL REDHEAD MODEL & ACTOR ALEX ESPENSHADE
This week we introduce you to beautiful redhead Alex Espenshade, who is an actor and model living in California.
18. FEATURE: ALL NEW OUTSHINE LGBTQ+ VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL
Check out the details about the upcoming all new 22nd Annual OUTshine LGBTQ+ Virtual Film Festival, taking place August 20-30.
WIREMAG.COM: ISSUE VIDEO
Enjoy our video of issue 9.2020 showcasing sexy body sculpting specialist Nick Perillo and his very hot photos by Anthony Kosinchuk.
PHOTO BY ANTHONY KOSINCHUK. KOZZPHOTO.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Publisher/Editor in Chief/Design Director
Rafa Carvajal Columnists
Alfredo Barrios Alyn Darnay Brian Falduto Michael W. Sasser Writer
Mark Dawson Official Photography Studio
Photo Studio Miami Staff Photographer
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FLIX By Alyn Darnay
MY FAVORITE FILMS The film is based on Anthony Burgess’ futuristic novel and written in a slang language called “Nadsat,” which Kubrick brilliantly adapted to the screen. Clockwork Orange is a powerful film that hits you right in the face with doses of reality, sex and violence, along with its absurdist concept of redemption. However, the film also treats you to imaginative set design, great performances, brilliant cinematography, and a really interesting take on the tune “Singing In The Rain.” Not for everyone, but for me an education in filmmaking.
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When I was asked to write this column about three films I consider my ‘favorite of all time’, I hit a ‘stonewall’ of my own making. There were so many films I love. How do I choose the few best? What criteria do I use? Best overall film? Most entertaining? Films that had the biggest influence on me creatively, on my career, on my worldview? With all the films I’ve seen in my life, the choices were endless. Eventually, I chose to select those films that have stuck with me all my life and I reference back to. Here they are: One name immediately jumped out at me: Stanley Kubrick. It seems like every film he’s ever made is brilliant in its own way. Every film of his has influenced me in one way or another, from Paths of Glory (1957) to Doctor Strangelove (1964), 2001 (1968), to The Shining (1980). All memorable, but the one that stands out for me, that I reference as the most creative, most challenging to watch, most interesting in style and execution has to be A Clockwork Orange (1971).
Director Ken Russell made a batch of films, most not worth mentioning. They are, for the most part, overly flamboyant and adapted from someone else’s material. For example, Tommy (1975), based on the Who’s rock opera, which has great music, but doesn’t hold up well. However, among his morass of films exists a true gem, 1980’s Altered States starring William Hurt and Blair Brown. The title refers to our many states of consciousness and how the hero of the story, research scientist Dr. Edward Jessup, gets much more than he bargained for, as he tries to discover these states using sensory deprivation tanks and hallucinogenic drugs. It’s imaginative filmmaking at the top of the scale. Story, images, performance, sets, make-up, and visual effects all combine to give you not just a story, but also an experience. Altered States keeps me coming back to watch, I guess you could say it alters my consciousness. Lastly, but miles from being the least, is David Lean’s sprawling desert epic Lawrence of Arabia (1962). Based on the life of T.E. Lawrence and shot on location in the Jordanian Desert over a nine-month period. With the cast and crew actually living in tents, it posed one of the greatest film challenges in cinema history. There are too many incredible cinematic elements in Lawrence of Arabia to mention here, but it rightfully earned seven Academy Awards. If you haven’t seen the film, run to watch it, it’s just breathtaking. David Lean’s eye for capturing meaningful vast vistas, as well as emotional close-ups as he unfolds his story, is the benchmark for exquisite filmmaking. The performances are so strong here by Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn and Jack Hawkins, that they are a stand-alone lesson in the craft of acting. I can’t get enough of this film. I must have watched it at least two dozen times and I’m still learning from it, still enamored by it. You will be too!
Alyn Darnay is a film critic; feedback is encouraged at adarnay@wiremag.com. #10 2020 WIREMAG.COM 5
PUBLISHER'S CORNER LIFE IN THE EPICENTER All of us are doing our best to overcome the personal and business challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has definitely not been easy. Unfortunately, as explained by University of Miami infectious disease expert Dr. Lilian Abbo, "Miami is now the epicenter of the pandemic. What we were seeing in Wuhan five months ago, now we are there. We really need your help." More than two dozen people I know in South Florida recently tested positive for COVID-19, including a close personal friend who was rushed to the hospital by his partner because he was having trouble breathing. He is now in the ICU being treated for pneumonia and blood clots. As explained by his partner, it was very distressing to see your loved one having trouble breathing and coughing up blood. Every one of us can make a difference by taking COVID-19 very seriously. We must practice social distancing, wear our mask, properly wash our hands and do everything possible to slow down the spread of this potentially deadly virus. Let’s do it for our loved ones, ourselves, our neighbors, our employees, our customers, and our fellow citizens by putting our political and personal differences aside to help save lives! Everyone can be potentially at risk of contracting the virus or spreading it to others, even when they are asymptomatic. COVID-19 has changed our lives and the cultural events we love in ways we never imagined, so I sat down with OUTshine Executive Director Victor Gimenez to discuss the all new 22nd Annual OUTshine LGBTQ+ Virtual Film Festival, taking place August 20-30. Get ready to enjoy some great films from the comfort of home, and be sure to purchase your tickets to support the Festival. For Flix, I asked film critic Alyn Darnay to share with us his three favorite films of all time. Alyn chose those films that have stuck with him all his life and he references back to.
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In this week’s cover story, we introduce you to beautiful redhead Alex Espenshade, who is an actor and model living in California. Alex is also on the cover of the new Red Hot Allstars 2021 calendar. Enjoy his interview and the hot photos by Anthony Kosinchuk. In Fashion & Style, we bring you an editorial about the men behind CiNava, the photography duo of life partners Angel Cintron and Steve Nava, who have made a name for themselves with their creative, edgy, artistic and fresh editorial images. Stay safe and healthy. I also want to thank you for your continued support of Wire Magazine across all our publication channels during these very challenging times. Visit wiremag.com/free to get your FREE subscription to Wire Magazine and tell your friends. Cheers,
Rafa Carvajal Publisher & Editor in Chief rafa@wiremag.com
“THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAVING LIVES AND EXTENDING LIVES, BECAUSE IN BOTH CASES WE ARE GIVING PEOPLE THE CHANCE OF MORE LIFE.” - AUBREY DE GREY 8 WIREMAG.COM #10 2020
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FASHION & STYLE By Mark Dawson | Photos by CiNava
PICTURE PERFECT As the men behind CiNava, fashion’s hottest photography duo, life partners Angel Cintron and Steve Nava have made a name for themselves with their highly produced editorial images that are creative, edgy, artistic and fresh. Their images – featuring male models, TV and movie stars, YouTube and sports sensations, and even WWE divas – have appeared in some of the world’s top fashion and style books from MOD to L’Officiel. For inspiration, they draw on current events. “Our images are driven by what is going on in the world at any given time,” Cintron explains. “Whether it be issues related to health, social injustice, racism or political inequities. Anyone can take a pretty picture,” Nava continues. “Our images must present something more. The person flipping through a magazine who lands on our photo must be captured and emotionally triggered in one way or another. We aim for imagery that moves people.” While they both have advanced degrees, CiNava say most of what they know about photography today wasn’t learned from books, but from working on the set, through trial and, sometimes, error. “We’ve made plenty of mistakes and still do,” Nava acknowledges. “We grow from every lesson and we course correct on how we approach the next situation.” They are also big on collaborating with other fashion creatives and are happy to mentor young professionals looking to break into the business. When scouting locations for a fashion shoot, Cintron advises photographers consider the mood and vibe they are trying to capture. If the wardrobe is airy and flowy with an ethereal feeling, a suitable location would be an open space with lots of natural light that lends itself to airflow. “Never rely on breeze, always make your own,” he says. If the garments are tighter, edgier, less colorful, or if they feature leather, he suggests finding a location that is darker and grittier in feel. 10 WIREMAG.COM #10 2020
“Go into each shoot with a plan and a solid team," says Nava. “Make sure to begin communications early and often. Follow-up is key.” On shoot day, Nava is adamant that everyone arrive early and set up their respective areas prior to the talent arrival. And once you have the shot, move on. “Believe in your skills as a photographer. The crew and the talent do not have all day for you to chase the perfect shot.” Finally, be ready for things to go wrong because, inevitably, they will. Cintron recalls one shoot where he and Nava were forced to roll with the punches. “We were shooting a men’s summer editorial on a rooftop in Brooklyn with models in bathing suits when it started to snow. Of course, snow doesn’t say summer, so we attempted to move the shoot to an indoor location. The building manager, however, wouldn’t allow it and, instead, pushed the entire crew out of the building! It was a photographer’s worst nightmare.” CiNava had to quickly adapt. They set up their camera on the street, found a tiny window of time when the snowfall let up, and shot the models against surrounding buildings that were wrapped in graffiti. “The final photos were more awesome than we originally envisioned,” Steve Nava reflects with a laugh. Follow CiNava on Instagram @ cinava_photography. Visit their website cinavaphotography.com
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MEET BEAUTIFUL REDHEAD
ALEX ESPENSHADE
By Rafa Carvajal | Photos by Anthony Kosinchuk. kozzphoto.com. @antonykozz
12 WIREMAG.COM #10 2020
This week we introduce you to beautiful redhead Alex Espenshade, who is an actor and model living in California. Alex loves working out and spaghetti with tempeh meatballs. Alex is also on the cover of the new Red Hot Allstars 2021 calendar, which is very popular worldwide. Enjoy the interview of Alex and the great photos by Anthony Kosinchuk. Rafa Carvajal: Where are you originally from and where do you live? Alex Espenshade: I'm originally from Maryland and I currently reside in West Hollywood, California.
#10 2020 WIREMAG.COM 13
RC: What do you do for a living? AE: I'm a model and actor. Occasionally, I build websites as well. RC: Who is the person that inspires you the most? Why? AE: My friend Joey Suarez inspires me the most. He’s the hardest working person I know. He’s super talented, and is the one who convinced me to start modeling. RC: How do you stay in such great shape? AE: I strength train twice a day just about every day. Just as importantly, I’ve been an ovo-lacto vegetarian by choice for most of my life, to the annoyance of my parents. RC: What do you enjoy the most about modeling for photography? AE: I definitely enjoy connecting with each photographer to create something unique. RC: Boxers or briefs? AE: I prefer going commando, but I would choose briefs over boxers. RC: What is your favorite food? AE: Spaghetti with tempeh meatballs. RC: What is your favorite pastime? AE: My favorite pastime is working out. I also like to hang with friends and smoke cannabis. RC : W h a t i s y o u r f a v o r i t e v a c a t i o n destination? Why? AE: Hawaii, but only because it’s the most exciting place I’ve vacationed in so far. RC: What is your biggest dream? AE: My biggest dream is to be successful in whatever avenue I choose.
14 WIREMAG.COM #10 2020
“I DEFINITELY ENJOY CONNECTING WITH EACH PHOTOGRAPHER TO CREATE SOMETHING UNIQUE.”
#10 2020 WIREMAG.COM 15
RC: How has the current COVID-19 pandemic affected your life? AE: The pandemic has forced me to work out at home. I haven’t really been able to find much work to pay the bills, and I haven’t been able to spend much time hanging with friends or going on dates. RC: What is your current struggle? AE: Paying rent and bills, while not really being able to work with everything shut down, and not getting any government assistance. RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers? AE: I’m single and ready to mingle, while respecting social distancing guidelines. Also, please wear a mask!
14 WIREMAG.COM #10 2020
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FEATURE By Rafa Carvajal
ALL NEW 22 ANNUAL OUTSHINE LGBTQ+ VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL PHOTO CREDIT: © DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM | MAXXYUSTAS
COVID-19 has changed our lives and the cultural events we love in ways we never imagined. Thankfully, we can still enjoy some of these wonderful events thanks to the hard work and out-of-the-box thinking of their dedicated staff. This is certainly the case with the upcoming all-new 22nd Annual OUTshine LGBTQ+ Virtual Film Festival, taking place August 20-30. Join me in supporting this year’s Festival, an organization so dear to my heart that I volunteer pro-bono on its marketing committee to share my professional expertise and help reach as many film lovers and ticket buyers as possible. I sat down with OUTshine Executive Director Victor Gimenez, so we can share all the great details about this year’s Festival with Wire Magazine’s readers. Rafa Carvajal: What would you like to tell our readers about the upcoming all-new 22nd Annual OUTshine LGBTQ+ Virtual Film Festival? Victor Gimenez: It will be a brand new experience. From the Drive-OUT Opening Night to Virtual Only events throughout the Festival, the one basic fact is the Festival has never looked like this before. And with it come great opportunities. First, we have an expanded audience. The films at OUTshine will be available to all of Florida. Second, we will have on-hand more filmmakers and talent than ever before virtually – not only more talent for specific films but talent for almost all films. RC: Why virtual and why the last 11 days before the last Monday in August? VMG: Once we knew we had to postpone Miami in April, our first thought was an expanded and extended physical festival in both Fort Lauderdale and Miami in October, during our regular Fort Lauderdale dates. As the quarantine expanded, we started to lose cinemas and the capability of getting new
18 WIREMAG.COM #10 2020
venues. Our next thought was a hybrid physical and virtual festival in October. But the reality of the current situation is that we would not be a good community citizen if we created events and screenings that would put our patrons at risk. Once we let go of the thought of a physical Festival and the need to find venues, the reality of needing to maintain the October dates was not tantamount. With that thought, we decided to move full force with a virtual festival and as soon as possible; those dates became August 20-30. Also, depending on how we do in August will determine if we do another virtual festival at the end of the year. As an organization, we have created two nationally recognized editions per year for eleven years now, and we would love to continue that in these difficult and surreal times. RC: What are the key highlights of the Festival? VMG: Opening Night Drive-OUT on Thursday, August 20th with a screening of Stage Mother. Other highlights will be our Centerpiece Big Night-IN film and virtual event, as well as Closing Night. As I mentioned before, we will have more filmmakers and talent virtually present for Q&As than ever before. Also, once the film is released, you as a film lover will have four days to get access to the film and 48 hours to watch the film once you start. In other words, if you have a conflict on the date and time we go live with the film, no worries, you can watch it the next day, or the day after, or the day after that.
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RC: Any favorites and must-watch films to tell us about? VMG: Well, they are all must watch. I love saying that we have a film for everyone. As for my must watch films, I would say if you are a fan of Mel Brooks style comedies then Douze Points; if you love fashion and the designer Pierre Cardin, we have The House of Cardin. If you want something out-of-the box, sexy, and artistic then watch Dry Wind. Defiant Souls is an incredible historical drama and beautifully shot film set in 1819 Cuba. And if you love rugby or sports in general, we have Steelers.
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20 WIREMAG.COM #10 2020
RC: What is the best way to learn about the Festival and purchase tickets to the films? VMG: Go to our website outshinefilm.com and sign up for emails. The emails will keep you informed about everything we do, and the website is where you go to get more details and purchase tickets. RC: Why do you think it is so important to carry on with the Festival during the current pandemic? VMG: The same reason as why we do the Festival every year – to inspire, entertain and educate. These are all new films that allow us to see ourselves and others like us; and representation matters. We learn our history and about other cultures. We are inspired by tales of triumph and loss. And we enjoy these stories. RC: What were your three greatest challenges putting together and executing on the Virtual Festival? VMG: Everything is new. Past experience is basically out the window. We had to find a platform to stream these films, as well as the difficulties in securing these films and negotiating their screening fees. How do we handle ticketing, packages, new memberships, and honoring pre-existing memberships to this new offering. There has been and continues to be a steep learning curve to get this off the ground because we are a barebones Festival staff. RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers about the all-new 22nd Annual OUTshine LGBTQ+ Virtual Film Festival? VMG: The Festival is for the community. We do this for you and to make sure all these great stories are seen and heard. We welcome you to this new experience and ask you to support it. Tell everyone you know about our new virtual Festival.
Be seen. Be safe. Be well. This isn’t our first pandemic. In fact, Jackson was founded during the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918. And even back then, our doctors and nurses took extraordinary measures to protect and care for the people of this community. Just like we’re taking extraordinary measures to protect and care for you now. So rest assured that there is no reason to delay care for you or your loved ones due to safety concerns. We’re here for you — as we’ve always been — committed to keeping you safe.
Learn more about our COVID-19 safety practices at SafeAtJackson.org. Jackson Health System is proud to be recognized as an “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.