Opening November 14 in select theaters, iTunes, and On Demand, Starry Eyes centers on Sarah Walker (a perfectly unhinged Alexandra Essoe), a part-time waitress and struggling actress who lands the biggest audition of her lifetime. The project is for a horror film, and although she did receive a callback, Sarah must go through dangerous and morally questionable lengths to finally land the job.
Directors Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer have crafted an unnerving and viscerally thrilling look at the ravages of Hollywood. Nathaniel West’s Day of the Locust, David Lynch’s creepier than thou Mulholland Falls are all indirect influences to Starry Eyes, and credit goes to the filmmakers for giving their own spin on this woman’s descent into Tinseltown’s unforgiving netherworld.
In the following interview, Kolsch and Widmyer offer up salient directing advice. “The first thing would be don’t wait,” said Widmyer, who has been collaborating with Kolsch for over 20 years.
Constantineis new to the television game, but thanks to a solid creative team (producers Daniel Cerone and David S. Goyer) and a pitch perfect performance by Matt Ryan as “hellblazer” John Constantine, the show is off to a great start.
A big part of my continued excitement comes from Angélica Celaya’s work as Zed, Constantine’s new partner-in-crime who, like the titular anti-hero, has a few intuitive powers of her own. While Constantine is an expert in the black arts, Zed’s psychic abilities enables him to solve his demonic adventures in an expedited fashion.
Hellblazer comic book enthusiasts already know that Zed has family issues of her own, and her sarcastic and individualistic nature, coupled with Constantine’s devil may care attitude, makes them a perfect (if not verbally combative match). She’s a person who’s filled with self-confidence and determination, qualities Celaya undoubtedly shares.
“I’m the only girl with older brothers,” Angélica Celaya, who played Angela Flores on Burn Notice. “And with that, I’m also the smallest of my siblings. You have to step up on your own and have a voice. Because your brothers are not going to pay attention to you and you’re not going to be able play baseball on the street. That’s what happens. So definitely my family helped me get that voice.”
Zed and Constantine’s back and forth banter is not the only reason to tune in to the show, as a rogue’s gallery of memorable characters are just around the corner. “Tonight we have Papa Midnite,” adds Celaya. “He’s one of the best villains ever and in my opinion he’s one of the best dressed cast members. We’re all dressed in these dark colors and Papa Midnite comes in with these beautiful clothes and nice silk shirts (laughs)! He’s an awesome villain – he’s just too cool for school.”
CONSTANTINE — “The Devil’s Vinyl” (November 7, 10 pm et/pt) — Pictured: (l-r) Michael James Shaw as Papa Midnite, Matt Ryan as John Constantine — (Photo by: Tina Rowden/NBC)
Constantine, starring Matt Ryan and Angélica Celaya, airs tonight on NBC (10 pm et/pt).
I really love Celaya’s addition to the show, as she and Ryan have a natural chemistry. If you want a closer look at what Zed’s all about, check out the featurette below:
http://youtu.be/Nwtt4Eapeyk
CONSTANTINE — “The Devil’s Vinyl” (Airing November 7, 10 pm et/pt)– Pictured: (l-r) Matt Ryan as John Constantine, Angelica Celaya as Zed Martin — (Photo by: Tina Rowden/NBC)
Taylor Phelanreceived a four chair turn during the Blind Auditions for his performance of “Sweater Weather,” and he eventually went with novice coach Pharrell. Adam Levine stole Phelan during the Knockouts (Phelan went up against Luke Wade), and now the Dallas, Texas native is part of Team Adam going into next week’s Live Playoffs.
Phelan is glad that his time on The Voice is happening right at this moment, as being a family man has helped him focus on all the important things, including sharpening his already impressive skills as a singer/songwriter.
The Voice airs Monday nd Tuesday nights on NBC (8 pm et/pt)/ Our interview with Phelan is below.
First off, can you take us back to your performance of ‘Sweater Weather’ for The Blind Auditions?
That was the perfect launching pad for me to start the season. It was obviously received really well and I couldn’t be more thankful that my entry to the show was received that well.
For me, the performance was important for a lot of reasons. I was nervous as heck and prepared my best to go out there and perform how I knew I could. I tried to do that, it came across, and it went well. That’s really the best thing you can hope for in this situation. It’s kind of a hit or miss thing – there’s so many factors going into it
I was just fortunate that with ‘Sweater Weather.’ It was the right song and my arrangement of it was received well. And honestly, people bought it. There’s only so much I can do and the rest is in the viewers’ hands.
http://youtu.be/fk5t_jw0vKQ
What’s it like having two different coaches on The Voice?
It’s amazing. I really could not be more happy than with the way things turned out for me. A lot of people who talked to me said, ‘Oh man, I wish you would have won.’ But honestly, I think that Luke is where he should be. He really functions well on Team Pharrell and for me I couldn’t be more happy than with being on Team Adam.
Adam and I get a long really well. Our humor aligns, our styles align. Everything just kind of lines up. I think everybody kind of saw that we were a natural fit so that’s why a lot of people wanted me to be on Team Adam from the get go.
But you’re right. It’s amazing having two coaches to pull from and to have gained experienced and input from.
THE VOICE — “Blind Auditions” Episode 702 — Pictured: Taylor Phelan — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)
Has being a family helped you focus on your career in a different way?
Absolutely. I think that in my life there’s no mistake that The Voice opportunity is presenting itself now. I’m more mentally and emotionally and spiritually stable than I’ve ever been. A lot of that is attributed to my family – having this kind of center that brings me back down and keeps me more consistent and all of that.
This really could not be happening at a better time for me, because I think it changes your focus, priorities, and your outlook on life. I was talking to my buddy Kyle Korver (Korver is an NBA basketball player) and he was saying that when he had a kid, his game completely changed. It wasn’t anything about his ability or anything, but his perspective and mentality on everything shifted. The approach to everything changed because you adapt and you learn a new skill set.
I think that family is definitely something I have as a benefit in this situation.
Do you see your time on The Voice as grabbing a whole new set of skills that you can put in your tool box for the future?
What’s happening here is that we are in a very short amount of time – we are thrown into this scenario (in which) the tools that we have are just being sharpened. They’re being polished and cleaned up, and so these amazing coaches and this team of producers, they are kind of shaping us and giving us the tools that are missing in our tool kit.
Then it’s really up to use to take them and use them to perform with the tools that we have. It’s been a really interesting experience for me. I have no formal training. I’ve just been a rock guy touring with a band and touring around the country and playing clubs.
This whole experience has been a shocking one because I’ve been able to – it’s been really affirming to me. I’ve just learned so many things that affirm what I’m naturally doing. I’m able to take these new polished tools and apply them. My performing style is just more than what it already was.
Do you see yourself collaborating with Luke in the future?
Luke and I are really good buddies. We live an hour and a half away from one another. We’ve been able to see each other quite a bit even when we’re back home and have the time off. He’s one of my best friends out here so I would love that.
I could see us working and collaborating on something. I don’t want to speak for the both of us, but I can definitely see that happening. We’ve obviously just naturally sat down and jammed and tried to write some stuff and that kind of thing. I can certainly see that – us co-writing a song or something.
THE VOICE — “Knockout Rounds” Episode 710 — Pictured: (l-r) Luke Wade, Carson Daly, Taylor Phelan — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)
In theaters starting Friday November 7, On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter delves into the lives of people who are passionate about riding motorcycles. Back in 1971, director Bruce Brown (pictured in the above photo with Robbie Maddison) helmed On Any Sundaywith actor Steve McQueen as the headliner.
Brown’s son Dana Brown, whose film credits include Dust to Glory and Step Into Liquid, takes the cinematic baton this time and gives viewers a visually arresting look at today’s generation of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Whether it’s performing motorcycle stunts for the James Bond feature Skyfall or crafting and achieving intimidating, record setting jumps, Robbie Maddisonis no stranger to the joys and perils of being a motorcycle daredevil. He’s one of the celebrated figures spotlighted in On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter, as the documentary gives us a look at the intense work ethic and drive that’s a prerequisite in Maddison’s line of work.
According to Maddison, viewers don’t have to be a motorcycle enthusiasts to appreciate the film. “It’s not a film for adrenaline junkies,” said Maddison, a family man whose own painstaking sacrifice in perfecting his craft is documented in the film. “I think adrenaline junkies can appreciate it but it’s more of a story about the human spirit.”
In the clip below, Maddison details the intricate elements that go accomplishing an ambitious jump:
Robbie Maddison riding a motorbike on the Stage at the On Any Sunday – The Next Chapter Movie Premiere in San Sebastian, Spain on September 26th 2014
For more info on the film, which also features Grand Prix motorcycle racer Marc Marquez and Travis Pastrana, go to OnAnySundayFilm.com
Force Majeurehas its share of beautiful visual compositions, with the avalanche sequence being the most talked about moment in the film.
However, much of Force Majeure’s strengths lies in the performances, as the narrative takes a look at the gradual undoing of a seemingly happy couple (Johannes Kunke, Lisa Loven Kongsli) due to the husband’s less than heroic behavior during the avalanche (instead of protecting the kids, he immediately sought shelter and self-preservation, leaving his family behind).
“The avalanche becomes a metaphor in many ways,” said director Ruben Ostlund. “The ski resort (also) becomes a metaphor. It’s like a struggle between the force of nature and civilized man. He is trying to hold back the uncivilized side of himself. Force Majeure means a major power in French. It’s a power we don’t control. We don’t know how to handle a certain situation (and are) exposed.”
Östlund’s attention to detail often leads to numerous takes during production, a challenge which wasn’t too daunting for actor Johannes Kunke.
“Every scene is shot like between 30 (to) 50 times, so we actually can go deeper into the feeling and emotion and develop it and dare to try new things during the first 10 takes,” said Kunke. “So it’s a communication between the actors and the director.”
Click on the audio below to hear Östlund explain why using just one camera when shooting a dramatic scene is creatively beneficial.
Academy award winning actor Chris Cooper (Adaptation) has signed on to play late author J.D. Salingerin Coming Through The Rye.
The 1969 set movie, which marks the feature directing debut of Emmy Award winner Jim Sadwith, centers on two teenagers (Alex Wolff, Stefania Owen) who embark on a quest to find the reclusive scribe. Sadwith holds a personal connection to the narrative, as the story is based on his own journey to find Salinger.
Cooper’s film credits include August: Osage County, The Company Men, Seabiscuit, Lone Star, and Matewan. Sadwith received his Emmy back in 1993 for his directing efforts in the miniseries Sinatra.
Angel Grace Productions are giving international buyers a sneak preview of their Coming Through The Rye this week at the American Film Market. The project will also be showcased at the European Film Market (EFM) in February 2015.
Kevin Costner has starred in his share of first rate sports films (Bull Durham, Field of Dreams, Tin Cup, the underrated Draft Day), and with McFarland, USA, the actor is taking on a different side of athletics.
The feature, directed by Whale Rider and North Country filmmaker Niki Caro, is inspired by the 1987 true story of the trials, tribulations, and success of a cross country team from California’s farm-centric Central Valley. Costner stars as the Coach Jim White, a mentor to the students who helps them realize their true potential.
During the Draft Day press conference, Kevin Costner talked about why, when it comes to sports, he performs better under pressure. He also elaborates on why he’s also placed all his cards on the table when it comes to filmmaking. “I have a tremendous belief in people,” said Costner. “And the common experience.”
To hear Costner’s full comments, check out the audio clip below:
McFarland, USA’s Official Boilerplate:
Inspired by the 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.
McFarland USA – Walt Disney Studios
Co-starring Maria Bello, McFarland, USA opens February 20, 2015.
The Voice artist Ricky Manning‘s memories of being a subway busker, coupled with comments from Adam Levine that he resembled Joaquin Phoenix (Taylor Swift also said Manning has a Robert Pattinson-y vibe), made it difficult for some viewers (including myself) to look past his telegenic appearance and intriguing history.
The Knockouts completely changed the game for Manning, as he delivered a heartbreakingly dramatic and effective performance of the Miley Cyrus power tune “Wrecking Ball.” Though he was roundly praised by judges, he lost his Knockout round to Elyjuh Rene (Pharrell, probably realizing Manning would get stolen, wanted to continue nurturing Elyjuh’s growth).
But all’s well that ends well, as Manning is now being coached by Gwen Stefani for The Voice’s Live Playoffs. He’s also one of the artists who’s carrying a ton of momentum heading to the next round.
During our chat, Ricky Manningreflected on his “Wrecking Ball” experience and he also expressed sincere gratitude for the fans that have followed him throughout his journey. If Manning continues to connect with his song choices, he could go deep into the competition, as he has enough moxie and natural talent to pull it off.
Is there an advantage to being stolen on “The Voice,” since you’re gaining experience from two different coaches (Pharrell and Gwen Stefani). Are you looking at it from that aspect?
That’s exactly how I’m taking the steal because I got to work with Pharrell who’s an incredible producer – and that’s just one side of it. That’s kind of the reason I chose him – a producer works with an artist and shapes an artist and makes them a better singer and performer. That was one of my strategies picking Pharrell.
And now, working with Gwen, I feel like I’m getting the best of both worlds because I’m getting to work with an incredible, legendary performer now. The energy Gwen has on stage is remarkable and I can’t wait to hopefully take in some of that energy and learn from her.
Honestly, it’s such a blessing that I am getting to work with a fantastic producer and now a fantastic performer. I feel super lucky about that and that’s exactly how I’m taking the steal.
Where did you get the stones to take on such a huge song like “Wrecking Ball,” and how good does it feel to get such a positive reaction from the coaches and fans of The Voice?
When I chose ‘Wrecking Ball,’ I knew it was a big song but I guess I didn’t know how big it was or how monster of a song it was as Pharrell said. I knew it was going to be challenging. I didn’t know exactly how much. I never really dove into the song like I did until I got it.
The hardest part for me was finding a place to sing that song from. I have a girlfriend who I’ve had for the last four and a half years and we’re very happy and I’m not heartbroken.
So it was very hard to come from a heartbroken place but I got there. Luckily thanks to some acting classes in high school – thank you!
So that was pretty cool, and to get the immediate praise from the coaches was so – it was hard to hold back tears. Because with The Blinds, it wasn’t my strongest performance, and Battles got better but to get this praise from Adam Levine who I’ve been a fan of since elementary school. It’s just so amazing to hear (him) tell me I’m becoming a star and that I had a moment on the show. Blake (said) that it was his favorite (performance) of the Knockouts. Yeah, like I said, it was hard to hold back the tears. It’s just so much confirmation that (music) is what I’m supposed to be doing.
Getting the good reviews from America, and even other countries. It’s been really awesome because the reviews from my Blinds weren’t the best. It’s awesome seeing the websites that gave me not so great reviews on my Blind Auditions give me awesome reviews for my Knockouts. So that’s been a pretty gratifying thing for me.
The support from your fans even before you were on The Voice must mean a lot to you.
It’s so surreal. I had a little bit of a following before the show because of Vine. I posted six second covers, and I had like 170,000 (followers) before the show. I have some fans now, but it’s just a whole different ballgame. Millions of people watched me and thousands of people want to follow me now – “fannings” are what my fans are called.
I had a meet and greet two days ago in my hometown and I thought maybe 20 girls would show up. But it ended up being 150 or more girls lined up outside the restaurant just screaming my name. There’s videos of girls chanting my name.
When I walked into the restaurant, they were banging on the windows. Some of them were crying, some of them were shaking. It’s just like ‘wow’ – this is everything that I’ve wanted and it’s happening right now.
It’s hard to kind of live in the moment because it’s happening – you don’t realize the moment until after it’s happened. But I’ve got to really put myself in the moment and realize, ‘this is your dream and it’s literally happening right now.’
There’s no price tag to this experience.
http://youtu.be/P2LzTodAIpY
It seems that you are really enjoying your time on The Voice, whether you’re getting massive amounts of support or even if haters critique your work. No matter what, you’re working hard and just appreciating your journey. Is that a fair assessment?
Of course. Who am I to be bitter about anything that’s being said about me? There’s so many talented people that auditioned for this season that didn’t make it past Blinds, or Battles, or Knockouts. I can only be grateful for anything that’s being written about me.
Any press is good press. Whether it’s good or bad, my name is somewhere. Honestly, the most important part for me on this show – of course I want to advance on the show and potentially be the winner. But, an even bigger part for me is growing my fanbase and keeping a fanbase that’s going to follow me after The Voice and buy my original music and show up to my concerts.
On the social platform, I’m just trying to engage with people who want to meet me and want to be a fan. I’m trying to be like, ‘Hey, I appreciate you and I really love you for loving me.’
I’m just grateful for anyone who’s talking about me – good or bad. Especially the love I’m grateful for because there’s so much of it. I have nothing but gratitude for this show and this experience.
Going into the live playoffs, have you learned to put your heart and soul into your songs? Or is that something you’ve always had?
Actually one of my biggest strengths is being emotional when I’m singing and really connecting to the song. Luckily, that’s something I’ve been blessed with. I realized after performing “Wrecking Ball” and watching it back that, wow, I think I kind of have something here with this whole emotional performance thing.
I’ve received so many messages like ‘Wow, Ricky Manning, I just want to tell you that your Wrecking Ball performance touched me, it really made me emotional.’
The fact that I touched people like that? It’s nuts, man. For the next round I think I’m going to try to do something similar to that – another soulful, emotional performance because that’s what people responded to and really liked from me. I think I’ll try and stick with that for the next one.
Awesome – thank you Ricky for your time. And, go big or go home, right?
That’s exactly right man. Thank you for having me.
Filmmaker Dana Brown (Dust to Glory, Step Into Liquid) gives viewers a visually breathtaking and insightful look at the world of motorcycle riding. Dana’s father Bruce Brown directed On Any Sunday back in 1971 with Steve McQueen at front and center. WithOn Any Sunday: The Next Chapter, Dana Brown continues his father’s narrative and explores a community that’s deeply passionate about the world of motorcycles.
MotoGP riders Dani Pedrosa and Marc Márquez along with motorbike stunt rider Robbie Maddison, are among the people who take part in the ambitious, 95-minute feature, which was shot all around the world (Spain, Africa, Austria, and Vietnam are just a few of the locales). Armed with RED and 4K cameras, along with various state of the art equipment, Brown and his crew have created a project that should be enjoyed with a wide audience.
“We’re so fortunate that on November 7, we’ll be in 250 theaters,” said Brown. “But we did make it for the big screen. We made it as kind of a statement like ‘here’s something real that is just as enjoyable to watch as the latest action (or) comic book film – but it’s real. So we shot it in 4K, we have the Dolby Atmos mix, and did all these big Hollywood things. You can watch it on your phone, but hopefully you’ll go into the theater and watch it because I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”
In the audio clip below, Dana Brown talks about the importance of capturing the human elements of motorcycle riding for On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter:
For more info on On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter, check out the film’s official website: onanysundayfilm.com
Cliff Martinez, a celebrated film composer who frequently collaborates with filmmakers Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive, The Knick) and Steven Soderbergh (Solaris, Contagion, Showtime’s The Knick) has composed the soundtrack to the highly anticipated first-person shooter Far Cry 4.
Martinez collaborated with Ubisoft Montreal’s Far Cry 4 music designer Jerome Angelot, music supervisor Simon Landry, and audio director Tony Gronick to craft original music for the gameplay and also added musical textures that enhance the detailed environment and ruthless characters featured in the game.
Before he embarked on his film career, Martinez was a former drummer for Red Hot Chili Peppers (he, along with the band, are Rock and Roll Hall of Famers).
“It was an honor to be asked to write the music for the Far Cry 4 game as my first full-length video game soundtrack,” said Martinez, who also scored Spring Breakers. “It was exciting for me to be asked to take my usual minimalistic cinematic approach to the immersive game world. Any game where you can ride on a rampaging elephant is a project you can’t turn down!”
Far Cry 4 comes out November 18 for the PlayStation 3 &4, Xbox One & 360, and Windows PC. The Far Cry 4 Original Game Soundtrack (digital edition) comes out November 4, with a limited 2-CD edition hitting North America on December 2 (December 9 in Europe). A 3-LP version releases on January 2015.
