Interview: Christmas Romance/Hallmark/Ion Movie Writer Joany Kane - Hear About her Inspirations, On Writing Christmas Movies Before they Were Popular and Her Advice for all Aspiring Christmas Movie Writers

 By Suzanne Ordas Curry

As I am HUGE fan of Christmas movies, I had a lot of questions for prolific writer Joany Kane, whom I met after she gave a presentation at Christmas Con a few years back. I ask her about how she got started, about her very popular movie The Christmas Card and how she keeps churning out scripts that we all love to watch. I was fascinated to get inside her head to see what gets her going and after reading her memoir, I got to learn how she landed where she is now. And I must add that it was quite a joy to get to know her, it's no surprise that someone who writes movies with happy endings has a positive, rosy outlook on living life and was a joy to interview.

Suzee: We all love Christmas movies!! Tell me how you got started writing Christmas movies. 

Interview: Author Kelly Caleb Talks about Her Newest Children's Book Now Cow Helps Fighter Spider, and the Experience that Inspired this Series of Books to Help Children Be More Mindful

Kelly Caleb,  LCSW, MCAP is a licensed therapist and author on a mission to help children, Her book series, Now Cow, shows situations in life which help children deal with different and difficult decisions and choices. Read on to find out about her tragic life incident that inspired the series and about her newest book.

Suzee: You had quite an life experience that you turned into a positive. Tell us about how that inspired you to write this book series?

Kelly Caleb: The Now Cow series came about after a difficult time in my life. I suffered anxiety and PTSD after being hit by a drunk driver. My car was pushed through an intersection, knocked down a 30 foot drop, and I woke up hanging upside down by my seatbelt with my car crushed around me. 

Artists/Creatives: Need some Motivation for 2022? Free Zoom Webinar by Life Coach Beth Handel with Actress Alysia Reiner will Give you the Boost You Need

A coaching and career workshop for creatives and artists by Life Coach Beth Handel with Actress/Producer Alysia Reiner will be held on January 20th, from 4-5pm via Zoom. Reserve your FREE spot here!

Let’s face it -- life right now is STILL disrupted. Productions are being forced to cancel shows and go on hold, and personally dealing with the reality of what it means to work, parent, and live during a (what feels like never-ending) pandemic. Join Beth Handel (Executive Life Coach, Co-Founder of Handel Group and Inner.U) as she teams up with her client Alysia Reiner (SAG award winner for Orange Is The New Black, Better Things, upcoming Shining Vale), for a free no-holds-barred workshop designed to free you up and get you living your dreams, STAT.

Sundance Film Festival is Virtual This Year: Get Your Tickets Before They Go

There's nothing like Sundance Film Festival in person, in the cold, in crowded but exhilarating Park City UTAH in the middle of winter. But, given the situation we're in now, it's virtual this year. This means, anyone can experience the excitement and culture of it online. Here's how to get tickets:

Emmy Winner Cady McClain Helms New York's Axial Theatre as Artistic Director, Taps Star Trek’s Darlene Tejeiro, Bosch’s Ingrid Rogers and True Detective’s Jon Lindstrom for Cactus Flowers, A Free Play Reading Jan 23rd, 2022

Three-time Emmy© winner Cady McClain has been tapped to be the new Artistic Director at Axial Theatre - a Westchester, NY based theatre company founded by playwright Howard Meyer known for developing and producing original plays in Westchester for over 20 years.  

Gold Standard Film Festival in New York City Hosts Kickoff Party with Richard Kind, Judy Gold, Mario Cantone, Brenda Vaccaro and Special Guests - Feburary 16, 2022 In Person

The Gold Standard Arts Festival will hold it's Kick-Off Party on February 16, 2022 at the Bernie Wohl Center at Goddard Riverside in New York City  at 6:30pm. This party launches the inaugural Gold Standard Film Festival. Scheduled to attend as special guests are Mario Cantone (Sex and the City, And Just Like That), Brenda Vaccaro (And Just Like That), Judy Gold (Awkwafina is Nora From Queens, Jim Gaffigan Show) and Richard Kind (The Goldbergs, Curb Your Enthusiasm).

The party will feature cocktails, light bites, an auction, music and mingling. It is hosted by Festival Directors Caytha Jentis and Eileen Katz, in partnership with Goddard Riverside's Community Arts Program.

The cost is $75 per person. There will also be an online auction. All proceeds benefit the festival and the community programs of the center. 

Interview: American Master StoryTeller Jonathan Kruk - From The Legend of Sleep Hollow to A Christmas Carol and Everything In Between

Interview by Ashton Samson

Jonathan Kruk has become a legend in the tri -state area in his own right for his master storytelling of such legendary works as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and a Christmas Carol. Read on about how this former English professor became a sought-after storyteller in this time of electronics and bells and whistles. His style and exuberance captures the viewer's attention and leaves one asking what's next. Find out why.  

Ashton Samson: I understand that you grew up in Westchester County (a suburb of New York City).  Growing up in this area, what legends, stories, or surroundings might have inspired you to pursue your present career?

Interview: Actor, Author and Host Jonathan Bennett Talks Hallmark Movies, Hosting New Year's Eve for the Times Square Alliance & More in Video Live from Christmas Con

 Jonathan Bennet is a staple in Christmas movies, like Christmas House, Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls, A Dogwalker's Christmas Tale, Christmas Made to Order, but he's done so much more. From movies like Love on Repeat to A Country Romance and even Sharknado, he's a prolific actor who shines in many different roles.  You can Jonathan in countless TV shows (including Awkward, Supergirl) and also as host for New Year's Eve for the Times Square Alliance (www.Timesquare.org). According to IMDB, he's also got five new projects in the works.

Christmas Con 2021 - Full Coverage of That's 4 Entertainment Annual Christmas Extravanganza - Photos, Videos and More

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

That's 4 Entertainment's Christmas Con is back! After a very tough year and a whole lot of pent up holiday spirit the fans were back in full force at Christmas Con 2021 in Edison New Jersey.

Over 12,000 people showed (after showing proof of vaccination) to the convention center to celebrate all things Christmas and Christmas movies.

This year's in-person convention was a hard act to follow after the inaugural year of 2019 but it exceeded expectations. This year, there was a massive room just dedicated to the celebrities. There was a separate stage area for presentations with plenty of room. There was a food area and there was a vendor area, all with ample space. 

There's Hardly Nothing Not To Love if you Like Christmas Rom Coms in Netflix Movie Love Hard Starring Jimmy O Yang, Nina Dobrev and Darren Barnet - Five Reasons To Love It

Review by Suzanne Ordas Curry

I'm always looking for happy movies during the holidays. Yes I like my sad and heartfelt ones but after a long day working and stressing out over a holiday TO DO list, it's all about what it going to make me laugh. And Love Hard has consistent laughs throughout it. If you're a rom com fan, you'll probably like this movie about two people looking for love on dating apps.

Five Reasons to Love Love Hard:

1. It's freakin' funny. The actors know how to deliver, the situations are funny and there were a few real LOL moments. 

2. Baby's It's Cold Outside: BEST EVER VERSION of this song. What a plus for this movie that there was also music in it. Though I love the version in ELF, this one comes unexpectedly and takes the cake.

NYC Area Event: Jonathan Kruk's Superb One Man Performance of A Chistmas Carol Embodies the Essence of Dickens Making it a Truly Immersive Storytelling Experience

 

By Ashton Samson 

5/5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝

One thing is certain, witnessing Jonathan Kruk perform is an extraordinarily unique experience. He has been performing one-man-shows of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and A Christmas Carol since 2010 and 2011 respectively. My family and I have attended these two performances every October and December since I was seven. As a loyal fan, and after attending Mr. Kruk’s performance of A Christmas Carol once again this past weekend, I decided to examine why his performances are so unique and why he continues to captivate all who witness his magic. 

Interview: Maureen Van Zandt of the Sopranos and Joanna Bonaro Chat with The Ladies of The Libby Show - Hear about The Sopranos, Their Podcasts, New York City Life and More

Actress, dancer, podcast host and producer Maureen Van Zandt (The Sopranos, Lilyhammer) dishes all about her wedding to Steven Van Zandt, her relationship with the Beatles, her new podcast and so much more as she chats with the ladies of THE LIBBY Show on the episode: What is a Podcast? View Here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z7WE7uB16A

Maureen Van Zandt is joined in this episode by her friend actress Joanna Bonaro, who was also in The Sopranos. They talk about a podcast they did together, called Around the Sun available via the Broadway Podcast Network.

In this interview you'll hear:

- How she met all of the Beatles, saying it's "surreal to her" because she was such as fan since a young age

Interview: Musical Artist Loren Smith Talks about His Song "Our First Christmas", How He Got Started and His Passions

Interview by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Meet Loren Smith. His latest single, "Our First Christmas" is about meeting your significant other's family during the holidays. Composed specifically for the LGBTQIA+ audience but with a message for anyone, it was made by Loren with Erik Kertes (Shakira, Ariana Grande, David Foster). Our First Christmas is the lead single from his upcoming EP "Christmas-From My Heart to Yours". As a soloist, Loren Smith's last single boasted over 750,000 YouTube Views, he has worked with Michael Buble, BTS, and been featured on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE.

Tell me about yourself/profession.    

Loren Smith: I have two passions, people and music. I believe everyday is the chance to learn how to love myself and others better than the day before. Time is what we all have in common, so I try to use the music i create in hopes to strengthen and encourage the listener. 

The 4th Annual International Cutting Room Film Festival 2021 is Live In Person in New York City on December 19th

Miss in-person film festivals? Come to NYC on Sunday December 19th for all the thrill of a film festival in a city all decked out for the holidays at the 4th Annual Cutting Room International Short Film Festival. Tickets are available for this festival, which is focused on emerging yet overlooked filmmakers and writers. Details below, it's held at the Cutting Room 44 East 32nd St, New York, NY 10016. 10AM-6:30PM. Kat Miccio is the Festival Director.

There are 3 Blocks of films.2.5 hrs each. 7:00PM Red Carpet Holiday Cocktail Hour. 8PM Awards. Tickets will go on Sale Dec 1st through indiefilmonline.com.

Interview: English Actor Anna Rust of Carnival Row and Legends talks about her Short Film Satiety, Voice Acting in Video Games and More

 

Interview by Harry Sherer

Anna Rust is an award winning actress, writer, and director, with supporting roles in Amazon’s Carnival Row, TNT’s Legends, and voice acting roles in Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy.

For 2021’s Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival in which she was a juror, I sat down with Anna Rust to discuss her short film Satiety, her transition from acting to filmmaking, her love of video games, work as a voice actor, and more. Check out some highlights from our conversation, as well as the full interview on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHwJlOM0s5c

Harry Sherer: What was it like being on the other side... being a juror at a film festival?

Perfect Strangers' Mark Linn-Baker and Carolyn McCormick Star in Benefit Reading of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf for Katonah Classic Stage in New York

Trent Dawson's Katonah Classic Stage (KCS) will present a benefit reading of Edward Albee’s, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, at the Bedford ()NY) Historical Hall on December 9, 2021. The lead roles of Martha and George will be portrayed by two actors with extensive Broadway credits who are perhaps best-known for their television roles: Carolyn McCormick best known for her leading role in  Law & Order and Mark Linn-Baker most beloved for his role in Perfect Strangers and most recently on Succession.Rounding out the cast is Jaren Zirilli and Evy Ortiz.   

Interview: Kara Mayer Robinson Chats with Patrick Duffy of Dallas, Step by Step and Now On The Verge: Hear about his Dallas Days, the Friends He Made Along the Way and so much more.

Were you a Dallas Fan? Most people remember Patrick Duffy from his role on this iconic show (Who shot J.R?) but what is he doing now? In this exclusive interview Kara Mayer Robinson on her Really Famous Podcast takes a deep dive into the live of Patrick Duffy. View Full Interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoI682BbICo

Iliana Guibert Stars in Superstitions, One of Three Plays by The Pool (NYC) in November 2021

 

Actress Iliana Guibert (co-host of The Libby Show - Lunch with the Ladies) stars in Superstitions, one of three plays produced by THE POOL in NYC in November 2021.

Playwrights Kate Cortesi, Brenda Withers, Emily Zemba, and producer Victor Cervantes Jr. are pleased to announce details for the 2021 edition of The Pool, a temporary consortium of playwrights producing their own plays in rep at the New Ohio Theatre from November 1–20, 2021.

Casting Call: Citrola Casting Seeks Kids 12-17 for Movie Filming in New Jersey with Anne Hathaway, Anthony Hopkins and Jeremy Strong

The team at Citrola Casting is seeking local NJ kids 12-17 years old in the Bayonne/Jersey City area to be extras in feature film “Armageddon Time”. The film is a coming-of-age drama set in the lead up to the 1980 presidential election of Ronald Reagan directed by James Gray and starring Anne Hathaway, Anthony Hopkins, and Jeremy Strong. 

**PLEASE NOTE: All background will be required to be FULLY VACCINATED with either Pfizer, Moderna, or the J&J vaccines as well as be required to get a COVID test. All COVID-19 precautions will be taken on set at all times.**

Interview with Philly Actor/Producer Lloyd Booker - He Talks Roles, his Inspiring friends and about Joshua Coates' New Film Ageless Love - A Poignant Story about his Friend Yale

Tell us about yourself. You do so many things, acting, producing and being a comedian - one of my favorite professions. Tell me about how you got started in the exciting and busy world of  entertainment.

LLoyd Booker: I’m an educator by trade. I worked in the Philadelphia School System, (Liam Neeson was a former teacher also!) I was also a counselor at the Mathematics Civics Sciences Charter School.

This is how and when I got started in film. One of my students  -  a young man Ahmir Covington - well his mother Adrianne Covington worked worked with Mike Lemon  when M. Night Shyamalan was making “UNBREAKABLE” with Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and Robin Wright Penn.

Interview: Kara Mayer Robinson Talks with Mayim Bialik of Blossom, Jeopardy, Call me Kat and the Big Bang Theory - Hear About How Therapy Helped Her become Who She is and More as She Opens Up about her Past

There are not many people that do not know who Mayim Bialik is. If they didn't know her from Blossom years ago, or The Big Bang Theory or Call Me Kat, they surely know her from hosting Jeopardy. Mayim is a household name for sure. But how did she get there? In this interview by Kara Mayer Robinson on her Really Famous Podcast, Mayim opens up opens up about her mental health struggles, childhood, divorce and more. View full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsI0DNNgDpg&t=9s

In this interview, you'll hear about how:

Interview: Filmmaker/Writer Brad Forenza Talks about Creating his Around the Sun Podcast Series During the Pandemic - A Scripted Series about Social Issues with Known Actor from Stage and Screen

Brad Forenza was busy during the pandemic. As a filmmaker and writer he managed to write and produce a new scripted podcast series which attracted award-winning an recognizable talent from stage and screen. And now the fruits of his labor are available on the Broadway Podcast Network (available wherever you listen to podcasts.) Each episode in the series is acted by different people and cover a different topic. The topics are all related to social issues of today - giving one food for thought but also entertaining.

The list of actors is quite formidable: David Alan Basche (The Exes), Joanna Bonaro (Good ‘n Screwed), Dolores Catania (Real Housewives of New Jersey), François Clemmons (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood), Lilli Cooper (Tootsie), Veanne Cox (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella), David LaRosa (Clandestine), Marsha Mason (The Goodbye Girl), Christine Nagy (106.7 Lite FM), Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos), Austin Pendleton (My Cousin Vinny), 

NYC Event: Inaugural New York City Gold Standard Film & Arts Festival to be Held in 2022 - Celebrates Film, Theater and Comedy Artists over 50 - Entries Now Being Accepted Via Film Freeway

A new film and Arts Festival is coming to New York City, the Gold Standard Festival. Hosted by the Goddard Riverside’s Community Arts Program, it will be a week long festival to celebrate emerging and established film, theater, and comedy artists 50 years and older. This inaugural festival will be held April 26 - May 1, 2022. Entrants can enter via Film Freeway as of October 28, 2021. For more info visit: https://goddard.org/goldstandard/ . Festival Directors Caytha Jentis and Eileen Katz are spearheading the festival.  Both have extensive background in entertainment and community service and wanted to create an arts festival to showcase and support this underserved demographic.   

Females in Entertainment Interview: Writer/Director Caytha Jentis Talks about her Pandemic Short April Showers with Bill Sage and Lorraine Farris and her Feature Pooling to Paradise

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

I met Caytha many moons ago when her film Bad Parents premiered at the acclaimed Montclair Film Festival (NJ). Bad Parents was her third feature, after And Then Came Love and The One. 

Now she has a short screening at Monclair, one she filmed during the pandemic - because there are some things like creativity that cannot be crushed by Covid.  We talk about her short, April Showers and also about her newest feature, Pooling for Paradise which is streaming just about everywhere now.

Tell me about your latest feature Pooling for Paradise - a road trip movie with a rather interesting group of passengers!  What inspired you to write it?