Child Actor Michael Thomas

TAEM- One of the great things that The Arts and Entertainment Magazine does, is to introduce new talent to our readership. Actors get their start in various ways. Some by accident, others by desire, and some from a very early age. Actor Michael S. Thomas is one such personality who fits in the later category. Michael at what age did you first begin your acting career, and how old are you now.

MST- Hi! I started acting shortly after I turned 4 years old. I am 8 and ½ years old now.

TAEM- We learned that your first step in your career was in the film shorts: ‘TheNew World’ and ‘Chekhov’s Children’. How exciting was this for you. 

MST- Well, actually my very first film and my first speaking role was in the movie Holey Balls. But due to some technical difficulties during editing it has not been released yet. But the director said she hopes to have it out before I turn 18.

The New World (my second film) and Chekhov’s Children were both fun sets to work on. I made a lot of new friends on both sets and have worked with some of the actors again on other film projects. (more…)

TAEM- History has a lot to say in writing a story and it is a big part in every author’s work. Deirdre Marie Capone is one such author, and the history around her novel is not only well known, but personal. It is about Al Capone.

Deidre, tell us about your early life and about your family relationship to this historic figure.

DMC-I am a Capone. My grandfather was Ralph Capone, listed in 1930 as Public Enemy #3 by the Chicago Crime Commission. That makes me the grand niece of his partner and younger brother, Public Enemy #1: Al Capone.

For much of my life, this was not information that I readily volunteered. In fact, I made every effort to hide the fact that I was a Capone, a name that had brought endless heartache to so many members of my family. In 1972, when I was in my early thirties, I leftChicagoand my family history far behind me, reinventing myself inMinnesotaand making sure that no one in my life other than my husband Bob knew my ancestry. I succeeded—even with our four children.

But the truth about who I was hovered at the edges of the reality I had created, and I was terrified of it—terrified of revisiting the shy, wounded girl who grew up friendless, shunned by classmates, forbidden to play with a mobster’s child; terrified of once again hearing those dreaded words, “You’re fired,” and seeing another employer’s doors close to me because of my name; terrified of reawakening the grief of losing both my father and brother to suicide, collateral damage of the Capone legacy; and, above all, terrified that if my children learned they had “gangster blood” running through their veins, they’d be exposed to the same pain I had experienced. (more…)

Joe O'Donnell, Jr.

People go to see motion pictures for different reasons. Some people love the movie trailers that are shown on television or the internet. Others go because they had read the novel, or graphic novel. Still some want to compare the original movie to the remake. I’m going to be talking about both the 1959 and 1999 versions of House on Haunted hill.

In the introduction of the original film, the screen is black, and then you hear moans of man and the rattling of chains; all of a sudden, blood curdling screams from a woman.  A floating head appears on the screen, he introduces himself as Watson Pritchard, the caretaker of the House on Haunted Hill. He tells the audience that the house is haunted because of murders taking place inside the house, including the murder of his brother and sister-in-law. Watson then vanishes. Another floating head of a different man appears. He announces his name as Frederick Loren; he tells the audience that he has rented the house for a haunted theme party for his wife.Frederick has invited five guests to stay at the house for one night and each guest will get $10,000 if they stay the entire time. (more…)

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is very excited to introduce actor Anthony DeLongis to all of our readers. Anthony, you have been in many popular movies and television shows for quite a few years. Please tell us about your training for this profession and what influenced you the most to take up acting as a career.

AD- I began as an actor performing Shakespeare in the 1970’s at one of the finest repertory companies in the country, the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. I continue to do theater as my schedule permits because I love the challenge, rewards and instant feedback from the audience that only theater can offer. Performing live theater is a bit like the old Hollywood studio system, the broader your training and the more varied your skills, the more often you’ll work. My favorite role has been playing Iago in Shakespeare’s OTHELLO, a wonderfully complex and layered role.

I love acting and I also love action. My favorite roles are ones where I get to combine both. To me IT’S ALL ACTING, whether I’m telling my character’s story with words or with deeds. Action is a dialogue of movement instead of words and can be subtle as a whisper or as dynamic as a shout. Such opportunities dramatically define character and invigorate the story, providing the actor commands the skills to deliver a safe, exciting, believable performance and the director can bring those images to the screen. Good action articulates character, anything less is just eye candy. (more…)

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine has gained quite an interest in Canadian acting and actors. Most Americans assume that all actors come from the States, but we are finding a great treasure trove of talented actors come from across our northern border. One such actor is Michael A. Miranda, who is a familiar face on the silver screen as well as television. Michael, tell us of your early training and the recognitions you gained at the time.

MAM- My earliest training was in high school back in the 1970’s. My teacher, who I still consider my mentor in many ways, instilled in me a sense of magic that surrounds the theatre and performance; to perform for someone was an honour and a privilege. I went on to train at two universities in Toronto- York and Ryerson. It was at Ryerson that I was bestowed with the Best Actor Award upon graduation

TAEM- Who was your greatest inspiration that led to your decision to pursue acting as a career?

MAM-It may sound cliché, but after watching both Godfather movies, I was fascinated  by watching the likes of Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro and John Cazale. They seemed to be doing nothing yet their performances to this day stand the test of time. Such powerful performances that were intriguing. I was inspired to try and reach those heights. So there wasn’t a single inspiration, but a collective one. (more…)

TAEM – The Arts and Entertainment Magazine has the pleasure of introducing one of the most versatile producers in the movie industry.  Producer June Daguiso has performed many of the tasks that strengthened his abilities behind the camera, including acting.  He also has arranged many of the top Independent Musical and Film festivals in the U.S. and Canada , and we introduced June to our readership in the article about the Washington , DC WMIFF event in our September 1st issue.  June, tell us about your earliest performance before the camera in “Deadlands:  The Rising”.

JD – I played one of the survivors at a rescue center that is slow to respond to people’s needs for food and security and, eventually, they take matters into their own hands.  The outcome is dismal, as the shelter soon becomes overrun by the walking dead.

TAEM – Please give us some of the details about the movie, and the theme behind it.

JD – “Deadlands: The Rising” (2006)
Budget:  $10,800.00
Writer, Director and Editor:  Gary Ugarek
Producers:  Herb Mollman, Darlene Barbour, Brian Wright, Lisa Brandt, Gary Ugarek and Paul Volpe
Composers:  Brian Wright and Gary Ugarek
(more…)

TAEM- As The Arts and Entertainment Magazine has stretched it’s wings from the early days as a blog, then The Eerie Digest, the entire entertainment field has opened up to us. With colleges and Students of the Arts panning our magazine monthly for guidance in their careers, we love to set examples for them in the many fields now laid before us.

Our newest exploration is in the genre of classical music, and we have chosen Oboist H. David Meyers lifetime achievement to do so. His friends have  fondly called  him ‘H’ for so many years, that he states that he has forgotten the true first name that ‘H’ stands for. Out of respect, we will call him ‘H’ for that very reason.

‘H’, tell us about your very early years and your initial love of classical music and the instrument that is the hallmark of your career.

HDM-I believe it was Oscar Wilde who said the “oboe is an ill wind which no one blows good!”  Might I add for the oboists of the world, “ an instrument which leaves no psyche in a palatable position!” In other words, you have to be crazy to play the oboe!  On the other side of the moon, the oboe is the solo instrument of the orchestra and the darling of the masters and Hollywood composers! (more…)

TAEM- Hollywood is forever changing, both in context of films and additions of new faces to fill the screens. This is a good thing for moviegoers as variety, and changes, are the spice of life. One such new look for Hollywood is actor Michael Santi. Michael, please tell our readers what first interested you in a career in acting, and who was your greatest influence.

MS- Acting was always an “escape” for me. No matter what was going on in my life good or bad, when we went to the movies everything was just perfect. Watching the “Hero” save the “Damsel in distress” was a rush for me even at the ripe young age of 6.  I remember watching Chuck Norris, Al Pacino , and Robert De Niro and I would just be in awe of the presence that they bring to the screen. I was hooked and knew I wanted to be an actor.

TAEM- As we have many Students of the Arts who follow our magazine for tips in their careers what training did you undertake to reach for your dreams?

MS- It’s a lifelong process like staying physically fit; you have to make it a lifestyle not a seasonal thing. You have to always seek knowledge to condition your “acting muscle”.  I was told very early in this business that you have to have unconditional love for it. You have to be willing to do it for free. If you’re that passionate about anything in life and have complete respect for your craft, then you will find a way to become the best you can at it. Acting is a journey of constant self exploration….sometimes you find things that you never knew where inside of you, you just have to be willing to accept what you find.  I studied performing art, and took classes at reputable acting schools all my life. I believe that no matter what school you go to, or what “World Famous Teacher” you have, none of that matters if you don’t have a real passion to reveal the truth on Camera.  Its called being “Private in Public” and no school can teach you to allow yourself to be vulnerable.  To me acting is being able to show complete honesty. My motto is, you can never fool the audience. The second the audience sees an “Actor playing a role in a scene” your dead in the water and you failed to tell your story. You have to learn and be willing to learn, to give yourself unconditionally to the truth in every scene. Then you’re acting! (more…)

TAEM- As a New York City boy, and publisher of The Arts and Entertainment Magazine, I always look forward to the many talent people that hail from The Big Apple, as it is known. One of my latest discoveries is the very talented actress and author, Laurie Graff. Laurie, tell us about your early days of performing on New York stages, and some of the plays that you were in.

LG- Straight out of college (Binghamton University) I did summer stock in Thomaston, CT.  We did twelve shows in thirteen weeks, and I had the time of my life doing roles like Charity (Sweet Charity), Ado Annie (Oklahoma), Carrie Pepperidge (Carousel) followed by dinner theater Corie Bratter (Barefoot in the Park).  But right after that, a dream came true when I got my Equity card playing Frenchy, the beauty school dropout, in Grease on national tour and then Broadway. Other wonderful gigs Off B’way, regionally and on national tour included Lala (The Last Night of Ballyhoo), Chrissy (In the Boom Boom Room), Nunsense, A… My Name is Alice, and Laughter on the 23^rd Floor.

TAEM- Many actors say that stage performances strengthen an actor’s ability. With many Students of the Arts who follow our magazine, can you tell us about this aspect of acting and how it has helped you in your career.

LG- Dialogue.  You know how it works, when it works, how the words fit in your mouth, and how they land.  I love dialogue and capturing the specific voice and speech pattern of every character.

TAEM- You have also performed in many commercials as well. Please tell us of some of the sponsors whose ads you were in.

LG- My first spot was for Odor Eaters.  I played a college student.  And that night I had my first performance of Grease on Bway when I took over the role of Frenchy.  It was an exciting day.  I loved doing commercials, and did bunches for products like Maxwell House Coffee, Scope, Burger King, Red Lobster, TJ Max, AT&T, Arby’s, Kleenex.  Also did a lot of radio and voice over too. (more…)

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is excited to present an author of one of our best loved genres, Thrillers. William Beck is an author our readers will love to learn about. His background enhances his writing style and adds authenticity to his stories. William, Tell us about your early days in the Army and the Medical field in which you practiced.

WB- I joined the Army during the latter years of the Viet Nam war. After my initial training, I was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA.  My first assignment was with the 2^nd Combat Support Hospital, a M.A.S.H. unit in the 34^th Medical Battalion. Keep in mind this was during the infancy of the “Volunteer Army.” As the war’s end drew near, the military had difficulty enticing enlistees. Those who did enlist received a guarantee to stay in the States for sixteen months before heading overseas. Our medical unit had many similarities to the TV show, M.A.S.H. The only things missing were Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John. I can not even begin to recount all the tales. Suffice it to say, my memories are filled with much laughter. However, it was not all fun and games. I learned much from my days there, and it set the course for my future life. After my discharge, I became a registered nurse, and have mainly practiced in the critical care arena. And on a final note, I would like to add I am very proud of my service to this country.

TAEM- In your early years you actually wanted to write children’s books. Why did you decide to write Thrillers instead?

WB- I remember literally blurting out to my wife one day, “I want to write children’s literature.” I never had any thoughts of writing before that moment. She threw down the gauntlet and said, “Then do it.” After a three year educational process, I was ready to tackle the world. Naivety is a wonderful thing. It keeps us dreaming. I soon discovered I had little time to contemplate writing with demanding work hours and younger children. My zeal for writing never left and five years later I found myself at a small medical conference in Atlanta.  When asked by the moderator what is the one thing about you no one else knows, I blurted out, “I’m going to write a book.” I shocked myself by what I said. Her smile quickly evaporated when I replied I had no idea about what I would write. Three months later I read an article about the military’s HAARP project, in Alaska. I knew then this would become the topic of my first novel.  I thoroughly enjoy writing thrillers, but still toy with the idea of children’s books. However, for the moment, Bryson McGann keeps busy enough. (more…)

Dan Hubbard

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is very excited to introduce Daniel Hubbard to our legions of readers. Daniel is a casting director and has been involved with such films as ‘King Kong’, ‘Bourne Supremacy’, and ‘Bourne Ultimatum’. Daniel, how did you begin your career in the exciting world of filmmaking, and what was your greatest influence in doing so?

DH – I would have to say my Parents on both fronts. My Mother started the company over 30 years ago. I have been surrounded by it all my life, from coming home from school to find Actors on my couch, to going to the theatre it has been a big part of my family. I didn’t intentionally go into it but was working on films sets in the Mid-90′s and couldn’t get consistent work so decided to run in my Hubbard Casting for a while, liked it so much I didn’t leave. I cast my first movie when I was 20 and the rest is history.

TAEM- We have many students of the Arts that research our magazine for guidance. Please explain what you do and the responsibilities that you perform as a Casting Director.

DH- That is such a complex question to answer but in a nut shell it’s my job to provide the Production with the best possible talent available  based on what in the budget and the strength of the material. Usually it’s my responsibility to breakdown the characters with the guidance of the Director based on his creative vision. I then draw up my own ideas and also see who the Agents suggest. Sometimes it can involve many sessions meeting lots of people, other times I would put up my top 15 choices and set up meetings with the Director and Producer. It differs every time. It’s my responsibility to make sure the sessions run extremely smoothly and that the room is well lit and the sound adequate. I then have to do the auditions and distribute the auditions amongst the Director, Producers etc. There is usually a lot of debate as to who is right and for what reasons (marquis value, look, experience, acting chops etc). I help the Director and Producer reach their decisions. Once they have made their choices I negotiate a deal and work out what kind of stipulations or perks the Actors are going to get, close the deal with each Actor’s Agent and then I draw up a Casting Advice Note which is document reflecting what has been agreed and then we go to contract. That’s more or lest it. (more…)

Photographer, Darrin VanGorder

TAEM- It’s not many times that I have been able to interview a famous celebrity from my old stomping grounds. Therefore I’d like to present a beautiful and talented actress that hails from my childhood home of Long Island, Miss Christina DeRosa, to all of our readers.

Christina, please tell us about your first introduction to acting where you worked on-stage with Natalie Portman.

CD- If my memory does not fail me, I was less than 10 years old, just 11 years ago or so.  I always have problems with numbers.  By the time I was 10, I had already been in numerous theatrical productions and when I met Natalie, we became fellow munchkins.  I can tell you that during our breaks, we would all sit in a circle, playing games and sharing secrets.  Natalie shared, she did not want to be an actress when she grew up and wanted to be a doctor like her daddy.  That was when her last name was still Hershlag, before the movie, The Professional.  Since then the medical world has lost a great doctor but the theatrical world, gained, an amazing actress who I hold the greatest regards and admiration for. (more…)

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is always looking for interviews that would inspire our readers and influence young actors in their careers. We are proud to be able to present the beautiful and talented actress Anna Easteden to our legions of fans. Anna, you were born in Finland and got your start in modeling. Please tell us about your early years.

AE- I grew up on a large farm in the middle of nowhere in Finland. We had cows and grew rye, wheat, barley and oat, and also had a lot of forest. Now my brother owns the farm that we grew up on, so it is staying in the family. I wasn’t much of a farmer, so I chose acting and modeling instead.

TAEM- Modeling gave you the chance to see the world, and you represented some of the biggest names in the industry. Please tell us about the major corporations that you represented.

AE- I did a lot of print advertisements, catalogs, billboards and magazine work for lots of familiar things like: Sony, Jockey, Nissan, NEC, Lux, Calvin Klein, Guess, T-Mobile, Chevy, Kohl’s, Salvatore Ferragamo etc.

TAEM- In 2003 you entered the career of acting landing several roles including one with the television series ‘The Days of Our Lives’. This must of been very exciting for you. Tell our readers about this show and the role that you played on it.

AE- I love acting and movie and TV business is very exciting to me. In Days of Our Lives I played a French Hairdresser. I spoke with a French accent and I got to wear a short black wig. It was something completely different than what I am myself. It was fun! Working on a soap is such a fascinating experience because everything is shot so fast and the entire crew has their jobs down so well, that everything moves smoothly and gets done super fast. Also that keeps the actor’s acting chops on a high level, because you really have no choice but to be good! (more…)

Cuyle Carvin

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine scours both the West Coast and the East Coast for television and movie celebrities to present to our readers each month. This month is no exception and we’d like to present actor Cuyle Carvin for all our readers to learn about. Cuyle, like me you were born in the State of New York. What first interested you in acting, and who was your greatest influence?

CC- Ah my New York state brother! I don’t think I can pinpoint any one thing or time specifically when I decided to make acting my profession. I was what one might call a jock in high school and even for bits of college. I didn’t seem to have an interest in acting during my schooling years. Although in retrospect, I just didn’t realize then. I went to a liberal arts college, Hartwick College, that was more of a business school than anything else. I really had no interest in any of the educational degrees that the school offered. I went there because A. my mom was an employee and tuition was free and B. one of my best friends from childhood was going there. The first two years of my college experience were spent in classes that I needed to take to fulfill the general curriculum. Of those, an Intro to Theater course. I didn’t love it but it seemed one of the more interesting classes of those those first two years. To make a longer story short – I went towards the Theater degree. That’s how it all started but I still can’t say that I wanted to be an actor even when I finished college. I was just curious about the whole thing and decided to try it out.

In terms of my greatest influence, perhaps it was the movie BRAVEHEART. That’s my favorite movie and I remember seeing it for the first time when I was fifteen. I had seen hundreds of movies before but it was the first time that I truly felt something in my gut. My emotions ran high, I became inspired, I felt a part of that movie. I wanted to help, to be William Wallace. I wanted to live my life with all of the spirit and honor that he did. I just remember this being the first movie that gave me that rush of emotions and the first time that a movie was more than just entertainment. That movie just might be the catalyst for it all, but like I said, I didn’t know it at the time. (more…)

Alexandria Altman

AA-This is easy , I started with my career at age 3, when my great gam ask me what I wanted for Christmas. I said a Movie camera, and knew exactly what to do with it, So I got the little red plastic camera that you put cartoons in and turn off the light and I was producing cartoon shows for family…

My Family Hoped it was a passing thing, The Wizard of OZ, Also motivated me so, I really thought their was a wizard to go see, So I decided to also travel down this Yellow Brick road when At 10 years of age I began painting writing, singing…

It was when I moved to Beverly Hills, that I really got the writing and acting bug…Big time…but I had a famed Husband whom refuse to let me grow and continue in my field which cause a painful divorced , which I moved To Nashville Tn…there I began My music career, in management of major country stars to press Media etc…ending up with my own BDE recording label, soon the music Business fell in Nashville, and around the world it changed…

At this point I went home , meaning back to me, and re discovered my writing, in 1998 with a best selling novel that went International and is still selling to date, followed by a stream of talk shows called Mission Possible which resulted in 3 books where I interview some of the most renown people in the World…

This sent me on a tail spin writing novels and now I have 3 completed Novels and a Christian Book series which serious People now have on Table in Holly from Scrip to Screen….

(more…)

Nancy Denofio

TAEM- I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Page Turners Blog Talk Radio’s host Nancy Denofio not too long ago and I would like to introduce this wonderful, and talented, woman to all of our readers. Nancy, tell us how your radio program started.

ND- Page Turners began in 2010 when I was shuffling people into a private group for Dystenium, LLC; those I believed had something to offer by networking with others and establishing a name online. Networking is taking an idea and running with it, no matter what genre or arts and entertainment one was working with.

I introduced myself to Meg, telling her little about myself but learning more about her.  I told her to use my name to enter the group and advised her to join Got Poetry, where I am still one of the administrators.  It is rare when two people can connect to help one another, but Meg was a good listener and grew quickly, understanding networking. Meg asked me if I would consider being a host on Page Turners – networking began.  Having a background working face to face with the media on several levels, it took a couple of days to answer her.  I asked those I trusted their thoughts; everyone agreed it was a stepping-stone online. I still wondered who she was, would it hurt my name, and what audience was her target regarding guests? I took the leap to radio, and after a few shows I knew we had to push our guests upward a few notches, with only the best.  Networking with Writer’s Etc. administrator, Laura Shultz, who had given advice as a professional and friend, helped me to know who was who. We were networking.  Page Turners would turn into one of the best for arts and entertainment.  A radio show had to develop a name, a brand, as known throughout online entrepreneurs, so we worked with only the best in art – writing and entertainment. (more…)

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is very proud to introduce one of the leading authors of children’s books, Meg Collins. Meg, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by you recently on Page Turners Blog Talk Radio, and was pleasantly surprised to learn all about you. You excel in teaching, writing, editing, and conduct lessons on motivational speaking. Tell us about these interests in these multiple fields and what inspired you to work in them.

MC- Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, Joseph, and it is an honor to have this interview with you. I began my journey as an artist of words at the age of eight years old. Reports were being sent home that I seemed to have a great passion for writing and reading; I discovered these letters later on in my adult life. I have been writing for over ten years, beginning at a local bookstore open mic venue in which I was fortunate enough to meet famed artists such as Kwame Alexander, Lorraine Oberlin, JaHipster, and Beth Baruth Joselow. After each open mic and poetry slam, these outstanding writers would hold free mini workshops for nearly one hour long. Outside of this venue, some would even charge $25 for a six session writing workshop once a week. I attended these sessions of brainstorming and writing, hence excelling in my writing field. I attempted greeting card writing, short story writing, and several others; however my greatest passion at that time in my life was poetry. I began to find myself at the bookstores and local libraries all the time and went into the magazine section to discover where I could submit my works of poetry. The submission process soon thereafter began for me, and I received ample poetry awards and was published with Iliad Press, Poetry.com, (more…)

Actor John Blyth Barrymore

TAEM- It is a pleasure, and an honor, for The Arts and Entertainment Magazine to be able to introduce one of the Hollywood’s Royal Family members to all of our readers. John Blyth Barrymore hails from one of the silver screen’s most prestigious families. John, your family’s name is world renowned and is a hallmark for all of those in the acting career. For our reader’s knowledge you are the son of John Drew Barrymore, half-brother of actress Drew Barrymore, grandson of the legendary actor John Barrymore and Dolores Costello, grand-nephew of legendary actors Lionel Barrymore, Ethel Barrymore, and Helen Costello.

Your mother is the famed television actress Cara Williams of the TV series ‘Pete and Gladys’ and ‘The Cara Williams Show’. You are also the nephew of actress Diana Barrymore and DeeDee Barrymore. Needless to say, your family must have influenced you and your career greatly. Tell us of your early days with your family and some of the fond memories that you recall with them.

JBB- Well I don’t remember ever meeting Diana so I really don’t know if I ever did or not, but DeeDee (Dolores Ethel Mae Barrymore Bedell) I knew quite well, or I should say know because she’s still with us. (more…)

Actress Kari Nissena

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine believes that actors exist on the East Coast as well as the West Coast. One such actor is the beautiful and talented Kari Nissena. Kari, how did you get your start in acting and what training did you receive for it?

KN- I started acting when I was 5 years old performing in Children’s Theatre and anything that I could find that had to do with acting.   Every Saturday morning I would head over to the theatre and get into costume and makeup to perform in the play I was working on at the time.   Curtain was always at 9:15am because the majority of our audience members were children.   After the cast and I signed autographs for the kids and grabbed a bite to eat, it was off to my acting training.  I was fortunate enough to be able to train in a conservatory type of school.  We had Acting Classes, Voice & Speech, Tap, Fencing, Mime, TV, Film, Commercials, Movement, Shakespeare …You name it.  It provided discipline and fun and laid the groundwork for a successful career as a performing artist.  I did that every Saturday for years.  Moving into my teens I kept up with my training wherever I could find it and would audition any chance I got.   After graduating high school I moved to New York to further pursue my education and still continue to do so.  I always train and think it is very important for artists to stay working on their craft, even when they are working successful actors.  The biggest stars and actors I admire most are always stretching and growing and learning.  That is one of the great joys of a life as an actor … there is always MORE. (more…)

Actress Sylvia Hutson

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is thrilled to introduce actress and Talent Agent Sylvia Hutson to all of our readers. Sylvia, we understand that you were born in Ireland before coming to America. Please tell us about your early days there and the training that you undertook for your career.

SH- I grew up in Northern Ireland in a small town called Tandragee in Co-Armagh.  I began singing with numerous  Dance Bands, Choirs and performing solo at Cabarets and Concerts  at  age 6 until I left Ireland to move overseas as an adult.  I did some acting in the local community, but  acting work became limited due to the “troubles’ in Northern Ireland. I studied music at the Trinity College of Music Dublin.

TAEM- Your first step into Hollywood was as a set costumer for the well known TV series ‘The F.B.I. Files’. What did your work involve and what were your responsibilities for this production.

SH-I interviewed with New Dominion Pictures in 1999 and became the Set Costumer after my training for all the shows produced  until 2005. My responsibilities included picking wardrobe for each actor, dressing the actors, wardrobe continuity, purchasing wardrobe for shows, and making sure the show ran as smooth as possible. (more…)

Author David Rhodes

TEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine has had many great writers step forward and contribute their work so that our readers would revel in the experience of their written words. One such author is David Rhodes, whom we have savored several of his short stories that he presented us with in the last few months. David, tell us what triggered you into writing our favorite genre of fiction.

DR- I have to say, it started when I was a child, and was exposed to several different horror movies in Louisiana. From then on I have always lived with nightmares. With the new books and films, I became quite fascinated. From Godzilla and onward. Instead of playing sports, in my youth I did nothing but read. A stack of books a week, and down to the library for more.

TAEM- Please tell our readers about your first novel, ‘The Ritual’, and the theme behind it.

DR- I had just purchased my first PC, and my wife at the time said, “Write a book!” The rest just came to me – Lucas Cain, the book, and what he had of total power, while the book itself was weakening him. It was never meant for him. If I tell you more, then the readers will understand too much….it touches on absolute power and the consequences that can come with it. (more…)

Deirdre McCullagh

TAEM- We recently attended a party on the East Coast for Producer Carlos Roman and had the great luck to meet the beautiful, and talented, actress Deirdre McCullagh. Deirdre, you have appeared in TV commercials, on stage, television, and film. Please tell all our readers about the training you received to propel you into your acting career.

DM- Hi Joseph! Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of such a great publication. I have been very fortunate in the world of acting, and it wasn’t without hard work, dedication and even some blood, lol. I started in theatre, actually musical theatre. My first play was the Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and I was seven! I feel so old now! It became sort of a family event, with both my mom and dad appearing in plays with me. I took acting classes all throughout school and even college, and was a part of me by then. It wasn’t until after college that I really started pursuing films, and discovered that it was the only job I would do where I wouldn’t complain about 18 hour days, crazy working conditions, and sometimes not even being paid for the work, it was then I realized that I should pursue it more aggressively. (more…)

Actor Edward Gillow

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is very excited to introduce an actor who had become a familiar face in many popular films and television productions. Edward Gillow is very familiar to most of us, and has scored roles in many well known films. Edward, we have many new actors, as well as students of the Arts, who seek guidance in their chosen careers by using our magazine as a reference point. What influenced you the most to become an actor, and what training did you undertake to achieve your success?

EG- Thank you very much TAEM for your interest in interviewing me. I really appreciate it. I was most influenced to be an actor back in the 60s as a kid growing up; I watched a TV series called “Route 66”. It was about two buddies that rode up and down Route 66 in their ‘Vet looking for adventure. At that moment, I said to myself, I want to be an actor and do that kind of stuff. So that started my journey to become an actor. As for training, my whole working life (before acting) was acting. If you know what I mean? When one starts in acting, you really don’t have a clue what to do. So I started out with the basic acting school to learn a technique. Once you get down the road with that, then you study auditioning/cold reading skills, then you move on to scene study…. What you find out is that each level you reach and gain proficiency in reveals to you the next training you need. The list of what I haven’t taken is easier to do than what I have taken. (more…)

Ramona Milano

ED- The Eerie Digest is excited and honored to introduce the highly acclaimed actress, Ramona Milano, to all our readers. Ramona has been in some of the most popular television shows over the past ten years and is an icon in her own right in many prime time television series. Ramona, tell us about your early childhood, and what inspired you to take up acting as a career.

RM- As a child I had no idea about “careers” and what that really meant, I just knew that I loved singing, dancing, and acting and imitating people. My child hood was pretty event-less to be honest, nothing tragic or traumatic or dramatic happened but at the same time, I’m not one of those people who raves about his/her youth. Mine was pretty “normal.” There was a big age difference between me and my little brother, we’re 6 years apart, and I spent a lot of time looking after him. I was the oldest grandchild and the only girl, so I was often responsible for minding the boys and “keeping an eye” on them. I was handed a lot of domestic responsibility at a young age so I think the artistic world allowed me to step out of that and into a world of creative possibilities which allowed me to use my imagination to the fullest. (more…)

Ken Farmer

ED- It is with great pleasure that we introduce a great actor, and a familiar face to all our readers. Actor Ken Farmer has been on screen and television for a long time and is highly seen as a major asset for any film production. Ken, when did you begin your acting career, and what was your greatest influence to do so?

KF-I started professional acting in 1972 when I was talked into auditioning for a Dairy Queen commercial by Dallas agent Kim Dawson. They needed a cowboy, at least one that could ride a horse,  and I owned a working cattle/horse ranch at the time. I had been dating one of Kim’s models and would go into the agency with her on occasion. Kim had been after me for some time, saying I had a great ‘look’ (what ever that means) and she could get me a lot of work. Finally, I came in with my girl friend one day, wearing my normal garb, jeans, boots, cowboy hat, ect., and Kim came up to me and asked, “You ride horses, don’t you, Ken?” I replied, “Well, been thrown off of one or two, yes ma’am.” “We don’t have anyone in the agency that can ride and I need to someone to represent the agency for a new Dairy Queen commercial that can ride.” Well, I wasn’t doing anything special that day, so I said, okay. Long story short, I was cast and I introduced the Dairy Queen Beltbuster Hamburger. I got a check a few weeks later for around $1,700. I thought, “They’re gonna pay me this kind of money to sit on a horse and eat a hamburger? I can do this.” That was now thirty-nine years ago; quit counting commercials at 260, fifteen major features, over 50 episodic TV shows and MOWs and only God knows how many industrials and VOs. (more…)

Author Scott Nicholson

ED- The Eerie Digest has the genuine pleasure to present author Scott Nicholson to all of our readers. Scott, you write stories that our readers can only dream of and you have to be one of the most prolific writers that I have ever interviewed and have written well over fifty stories. What started your interest in writing, and who were some of your earliest influences in doing so?

SN- Hmm, Dr. Seuss really messed with my head, and then I got into comic books. We were poor so we had we to make our own entertainment. The smell of crayons still gives me a thrill, and blank white paper seems like sheer decadence, since as a kid I always had to use scraps to create art and stories.

ED- You are a journalist living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and have a deep interest in that area. Please explain some of those interests to our readership.

SN- Well, I just started exploring the local supernatural legends and fictionalizing them. The longer I wrote, the more I became interested in the issues here, especially of change. I live in one of the oldest geographic areas of the world and there are a lot of secrets tucked away in these hollows and valleys. (more…)

Brian Dragonuk

ED- The Eerie Digest occasionally runs into an individual who has many venues that they work in, but not so many as actor Brian Dragonuk. Brian, you currently wear more hats than anyone that I have met to date. Since 1999, you have been in over five-hundred projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic States, on projects as varied as a Film/Video Actor,

Print Model, Radio Personality, TV Show Host and as an Actor in the training of Federal Law Enforcement Agents, Medical Students, Lawyers, and Emergency 1^st Responders.. Please tell us about these aspects of your career.

BD- I started my Acting career very late in life (47) as an Extra on the set of “The Replacements. I worked daily for 43 days with from 300-500 other Extras (daily- Over 15,000 Different people over the 43 days) and that collective pool of experience taught me something (Very Basic) that I believe is still true today – If you want to make a Living as an Actor here – You must make yourself VALUABLE to as Many Employers as you can.

Some of the People I met on “The Replacements” worked “Other Markets” – (Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC and Richmond are all different markets with their own Agents, Casting Directors, Production Companies and Projects), By the end of my 1^st full year (2000), I had worked in and was “On File” with people in each of them.

Others on set felt the way to increase the Potential Employers (looking to hire you for Future projects) was to work different types of Venues in the Same Market. Each requires different Training & abilities, Different Resources and in most cases different Potential Employers. By the end of my 1^st year, I had broadened my Resume to include – My 1^st Commercial Modeling (Print) work, TV Commercials (Including my 1^st Speaking part), Public Service Announcements, 1^st Speaking part in a Film (a Student Film), and my 1^st Live Practical Training jobs. Hosting a TV Show, Radio Broadcasts & Voice over/Narration jobs were added my 2^nd year. (more…)

Author Sibel Hodge

ED- The Eerie Digest has fans from around the world, and at last count we had nearly sixty-thousand. We also interview many authors and celebrities from around the world for our reader’s interest. One such author is Sibel Hodge, from England. Sibel, please tell us something about where you live.

SH- I actually divide my time now between Hertfordshire, UK, and Cyprus. The weather’s much better in Cyprus! I have dual British/Turkish Cypriot nationality so it’s nice to mix and match! One of the good things about my heritage is that it’s given me the opportunity to add a unique cultural twist to my romantic comedies in the way that My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Bend It Like Beckham did.

ED- Aside from writing, what other qualifications do you possess?

SH- I’m a qualified fitness instructor, personal trainer, and sports and massage therapist, although the only time I have to practice this now is on family and friends who have an injury or want a massage. I wonder why I’ve got so many friends! (more…)